Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Eleanora
GirlEnglish, Italian· “form of Eleanor, origin uncertain”
- Meaning
- form of Eleanor, origin uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, Italian
- Pronunciation
- eh-lee-uh-NAWR-uh
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #865
- US babies 2025
- 313
- Best rank
- #486 (1916)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Eleanora
Eleanora is often said to mean “form of Eleanor, origin uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Italian roots.
Eleanora is an elaborated form of Eleanor, a name whose origin is uncertain. Eleanor may come from the Provençal Aliénor, possibly derived from Aenor, a name whose meaning is unknown. Eleanor of Aquitaine, queen of both France and England, carried the name into royal history. Eleanora feels grand, romantic and vintage, with five flowing syllables. It offers many nickname options, including Nora, Ellie, Nell and Leni, so it can be both formal and playful.
Popularity over time
Eleanora has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 64 different years. Its best national rank was #486 in 1916, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 313 were named Eleanora. In 2025, 313 babies were named Eleanora, and it ranked #865 nationally. That is 101% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #591 in 1920, #1,633 in 1950, #6,029 in 1980, #9,370 in 2000, #2,988 in 2010, and #865 in 2025. Of the 8,322 US girls named Eleanora since records began, 20% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,527 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Soraya, Arisbeth, Lilia, Dafne, and Ayah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Eleanora ranked highest in Oregon, Iowa, and Michigan.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | #502 | 7 |
| Iowa | #518 | 6 |
| Michigan | #525 | 15 |
| Pennsylvania | #526 | 20 |
| Massachusetts | #534 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Eleanora is usually pronounced eh-lee-uh-NAWR-uh, with four syllables. It has eight letters, starts with E and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Eleanora
A few middle names that flow with Eleanora: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Eleanora
Similar names
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ah-leh-SAHN-druh
“defender of the people” · Italian
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Lenora Girl
luh-NAWR-uh
“form of Eleanor, origin uncertain” · English
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thee-uh-DAWR-uh
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Alexandra Girl
al-ig-ZAN-druh
“defender of men” · Greek
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Evangeline Girl
ih-VAN-juh-leen
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JOO-lee-eht
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Antonella Girl
an-tuh-NEH-luh
“diminutive of Antonia” · Italian
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Chiara Girl
KYAHR-uh
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Evelina Girl
eh-vuh-LEE-nuh
English
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Isadora Girl
iz-uh-DOR-uh
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Annabella Girl
a-nuh-BEH-luh
“combination of Anna and Bella” · Italian
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Anabelle Girl
AN-uh-bel
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Lists that include Eleanora
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Eleanora mean?
Eleanora is often said to mean “form of Eleanor, origin uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Italian roots.
What is the origin of the name Eleanora?
Eleanora has English and Italian roots. Eleanora is an elaborated form of Eleanor, a name whose origin is uncertain.
Is Eleanora a popular name?
Yes. Eleanora ranked #865 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Eleanora a boy or girl name?
Eleanora is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Eleanora?
Eleanora is usually pronounced eh-lee-uh-NAWR-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings