noun
Common
Eleanor
EH-luh-nuh
Eleanor (noun) means a female given name, made famous historically by Eleanor of Aquitaine. Example: “Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most influential First Ladies in US history.”
noun
1
A female given name, made famous historically by Eleanor of Aquitaine.
"Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most influential First Ladies in US history."
How to use Eleanor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA traditional woman's first name.
Common mistake
Despite appearances, "Eleanor" is not actually a form of "Helen" — that's a common but mistaken belief.
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_____ Roosevelt was one of the most influential First Ladies in US history.
Etymology
First recorded for Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204); the name's ultimate origin is debated, though it is often mistakenly linked to "Helen."
Class of 1122
Eleanor joined the language around 1122.
See the full Class of 1122 →
Rhymes for Eleanor
See all rhymes for Eleanor →Frequently asked questions
What does “Eleanor” mean?
The word “Eleanor” means a female given name, made famous historically by Eleanor of Aquitaine. In plain terms, a traditional woman's first name.
How do you pronounce “Eleanor”?
“Eleanor” is pronounced EH-luh-nuh (/ˈɛləˌnoɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Eleanor” in a sentence?
Here is “Eleanor” used in a sentence: “Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most influential First Ladies in US history.”
What part of speech is “Eleanor”?
“Eleanor” is a noun.
Where does the word “Eleanor” come from?
The word “Eleanor” dates back to around 1122. First recorded for Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204); the name's ultimate origin is debated, though it is often mistakenly linked to "Helen.".
Is “Eleanor” a common word?
“Eleanor” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What are common nicknames for the name Eleanor?
Common nicknames for Eleanor include Nell, Nellie, Ellie, Elle, Nora, and Lena. The name's length and history have produced an unusually wide range of shortened forms across different eras and regions.
Is Eleanor related to the name Helen or Ellen?
Eleanor is often linked historically to Helen through shared roots, and it is also closely related to the name Ellen, which developed as a variant form. These names share overlapping origins and are sometimes used interchangeably in family naming traditions.
Why is Eleanor of Aquitaine associated with the name?
Eleanor of Aquitaine was a powerful medieval queen whose prominence helped popularize the name Eleanor across European royal and noble families. Her historical fame is a major reason the name became widely used and remains recognizable today.
