A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elnora since 1880
Babies named Elnora per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elnora's real moment was 1905.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 579 |
| 1890s | 914 |
| 1900s | 1,648 |
| 1910s | 4,279 |
| 1920s | 5,405 |
| 1930s | 3,362 |
| 1940s | 2,269 |
| 1950s | 1,339 |
| 1960s | 646 |
| 1970s | 262 |
| 1980s | 182 |
| 1990s | 97 |
| 2000s | 84 |
| 2010s | 163 |
| 2020s | 134 |
Meaning & origin
Elnora is a rare but enduring girl's name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, during the late Victorian era. It reached its peak popularity in 1905, a time when elaborate multi-syllable names were fashionable. After declining through much of the 20th century, Elnora began a slow revival in 2002 that continues into the 2020s. As of 2025, it remains uncommon, given to roughly 1 in 94,545 newborns, placing it at rank 6,546. Its exact origins are debated: it may be a fusion of the popular prefix El- with the name Nora, or a creative respelling of Eleanor or Lenore. The name carries a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar-sounding choice.
Elnora is a name of uncertain derivation, first appearing in the United States in the late 19th century. It may be a blend of the popular prefix El- (as in Elizabeth or Eleanor) with the name Nora, or a variant of Eleanor. The name saw modest use in the early 1900s, peaking in 1905, and experienced a revival beginning in the early 2000s.
Where Elnora is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ella, Nora, Ellie
Sibling names for Elnora
Names that share Elnora's style, for a brother or sister.
