Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Leonora
GirlItalian· “form of Eleanor, of uncertain meaning”
- Meaning
- form of Eleanor, of uncertain meaning (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Italian
- Pronunciation
- lee-uh-NAWR-uh
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #1,772
- US babies 2025
- 114
- Best rank
- #314 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1924
Meaning and origin of Leonora
Leonora is often said to mean “form of Eleanor, of uncertain meaning”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Italian roots.
Leonora is a Romance form of Eleanor, and like Eleanor its deeper meaning is uncertain. Eleanor is often traced to the Occitan Alienor, possibly from the name Aenor with a prefix, but no single explanation is accepted, and the link to Greek helios or light is doubtful. Leonora became familiar in Italian and Spanish use and through opera: the heroine of Verdi's Il trovatore is named Leonora, and Beethoven's opera Fidelio centers on Leonore. It is said lee-uh-NAWR-uh. Related forms include Leonor, Lenore, Nora and Eleanor. Hidden inside it are both Leo and Nora, which gives a child a choice of everyday names.
Popularity over time
Leonora 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 #314 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1924, when 138 were named Leonora. In 2025, 114 babies were named Leonora, and it ranked #1,772 nationally. That is 143% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #667 in 1920, #1,096 in 1950, #2,913 in 1980, #5,413 in 2000, #5,189 in 2010, and #1,772 in 2025. Of the 7,504 US girls named Leonora since records began, 17% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 916 babies. Since 2010, 948 more have been named Leonora.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Dorcas, Easter, Aletha, Rosina, and Ouida.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leonora ranked highest in Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #833 | 6 |
| New York | #929 | 17 |
| Virginia | #994 | 7 |
| New Jersey | #1101 | 6 |
| Florida | #1387 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Leonora is usually pronounced lee-uh-NAWR-uh, with four syllables. It has seven letters, starts with L and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Leonora
A few middle names that flow with Leonora: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leonora
Similar names
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ah-leh-SAHN-druh
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eh-lee-uh-NAWR-uh
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Elenora Girl
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luh-NAWR-uh
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Chiara Girl
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iz-uh-DOR-uh
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uh-LEG-ruh
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Lists that include Leonora
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leonora mean?
Leonora is often said to mean “form of Eleanor, of uncertain meaning”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Italian roots.
What is the origin of the name Leonora?
Leonora has Italian roots. Leonora is a Romance form of Eleanor, and like Eleanor its deeper meaning is uncertain.
Is Leonora a popular name?
Not especially. Leonora ranked #1,772 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Leonora a boy or girl name?
Leonora is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Leonora?
Leonora is usually pronounced 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