A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lenora since 1880
Babies named Lenora per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lenora's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 785 |
| 1890s | 1,108 |
| 1900s | 1,541 |
| 1910s | 4,038 |
| 1920s | 6,093 |
| 1930s | 4,456 |
| 1940s | 4,023 |
| 1950s | 4,588 |
| 1960s | 3,560 |
| 1970s | 1,527 |
| 1980s | 914 |
| 1990s | 491 |
| 2000s | 465 |
| 2010s | 1,401 |
| 2020s | 2,068 |
Meaning & origin
Lenora is a classic name with deep historical roots, derived from the Greek Helenē, meaning 'light.' It entered English usage as a variant of Eleanor and saw its peak popularity in 1881, when it ranked highest nationally. After declining for much of the 20th century, the name has been rising again since 1998, reflecting a broader revival of vintage names. In 2025, it ranks 538th, with about 1 in every 2,860 girls born receiving the name. Lenora has been particularly favored in states like Washington, D.C., Wisconsin, and Iowa, suggesting regional appeal in the Midwest and along the East Coast. Its soft, melodic sound and elegant feel make it a refined choice that balances tradition with a touch of modernity.
Lenora is a variant of Eleanor, which ultimately derives from the Provencal name Aliénor, itself likely from the Germanic name Aldenor, meaning 'old north.' However, it is often associated with the Greek Helenē, meaning 'light' or 'torch.' The name entered English usage in the Middle Ages and became popular in the 19th century.
Where Lenora 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.
“Lenora” around the world
Where Lenora lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Quebec
7
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lena, Nora, Lenny
Sibling names for Lenora
Names that share Lenora's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Elena, Clara, Violet, Eloise, Adeline, Lanora, Waneta, Wynona, Genora, Ladora, Lavella, Ledora, Lenzy, Remonia, Velora, Almina, Glenora, Iretha, Ladena, Madora, Venora, Vernona, Cenia, Denora, Eldena, Elnita, Evona, Inola, Janora, Winnona
Brothers: Theodore, Henry, Julian, Simon, Felix, Darwyn, Renardo, Orlander
