Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Lenore
GirlEnglish, German· “form of Eleanor, of uncertain meaning”
- Meaning
- form of Eleanor, of uncertain meaning (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, German
- Pronunciation
- luh-NAWR
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,971
- US babies 2025
- 98
- Best rank
- #309 (1915)
- Peak year
- 1926
Meaning and origin of Lenore
Lenore is often said to mean “form of Eleanor, of uncertain meaning”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and German roots.
Lenore is a short form of Leonora and Eleanor, and like them its original meaning is uncertain; the name is often traced to Occitan Alienor, but the details are debated. It is best known from Edgar Allan Poe's poem The Raven, in which the speaker mourns his lost Lenore, which gives the name a romantic, gothic shading. Poe also wrote a separate poem titled Lenore. The German ballad Lenore by Gottfried August Bürger was another influential use of the name. It is said luh-NAWR. Related forms include Eleanor, Leonor, Leonora and Nora. It feels literary and slightly moody.
Popularity over time
Lenore 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 94 different years. Its best national rank was #309 in 1915, and the most babies received it in 1926, when 460 were named Lenore. In 2025, 98 babies were named Lenore, and it ranked #1,971 nationally. That is 44% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #325 in 1920, #476 in 1950, #2,471 in 1980, #6,672 in 2000, #5,719 in 2010, and #1,971 in 2025. Of the 22,968 US girls named Lenore since records began, 19% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 3,602 babies. Since 2010, 967 more have been named Lenore.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Earline, Ruthie, Wilda, Dolly, and Rhoda.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lenore ranked highest in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #898 | 10 |
| Illinois | #1339 | 6 |
| Ohio | #1601 | 5 |
| Texas | #1988 | 11 |
| California | #2402 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lenore is usually pronounced luh-NAWR, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with L and ends in “-re”.
Middle names for Lenore
A few middle names that flow with Lenore: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lenore
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Lists that include Lenore
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lenore mean?
Lenore is often said to mean “form of Eleanor, of uncertain meaning”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and German roots.
What is the origin of the name Lenore?
Lenore has English and German roots. Lenore is a short form of Leonora and Eleanor, and like them its original meaning is uncertain; the name is often traced to Occitan Alienor, but the details are debated.
Is Lenore a popular name?
Not especially. Lenore ranked #1,971 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Lenore a boy or girl name?
Lenore is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lenore?
Lenore is usually pronounced luh-NAWR. 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