Eleanor
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Shining Light; Bright One
Background: The name Eleanor comes from the Old French name 'Aliénor,' which is thought to derive from the Greek name 'Helenē,' meaning 'light, torch, or bright one.' This name was popularized in Medieval Europe and is often associated with figures of nobility and distinction.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#118
Total births
329,630
Most popular decade
1920s
(224,892 births)
10-year trend
↑ Rising (+64 ranks)
Years in Top 100
58
First recorded year
1880
Gender usage
0.2% male
99.8% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1906
- First year births
- 5
- First year rank
- #1,253
- Peak year
- 1927
- Peak year births
- 31
- Peak rank
- #1,321
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 10
- Recent rank
- #7,725
Female
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 129
- First year rank
- #126
- Peak year
- 1920
- Peak year births
- 8,497
- Peak rank
- #25
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 7,127
- Recent rank
- #14
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).