Enola

Meaning & origin

Enola is a name of modern coinage, first recorded in 1885 and peaking in popularity in 1893 at rank 3459, with a 1-in-36529 birth rate. After a long decline, its usage has been falling again since 2022. The name is most strongly associated with Tennessee, where it saw concentrated use. Enola's meaning is debated; it is often said to be 'alone' spelled backward, suggesting solitude, though a Greek derivation has also been proposed. While the name fell out of common use for much of the 20th century, it has experienced a modest revival thanks to the fictional detective Enola Holmes, appearing in a series of young adult novels and a Netflix film. Parents choosing Enola today may be drawn to its vintage feel and literary ties, though it remains an uncommon choice.

Enola first appeared in the late 19th century, often suggested to be a name formed by spelling 'alone' backwards. It gained brief popularity in the 1890s, peaking in 1893 at rank 3459 with a 1-in-36529 birth rate. Its use declined sharply after the 20th century, though the name entered public consciousness again via the title character in the Enola Holmes series, first published in 2006.