- Meaning
- Light, shining one
- Origin
- Greek
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity
- US top 100
- Style
- Classic, Sophisticated
- Used in
- English-speaking countries
Nicknames for Eleanor
What friends, grandparents and the playground will call them, depending on where they grow up.
- English
- Ellie, Nora, Nell
What people expect from a Eleanor
Eleanor is built from soft sounds. Studies of name sounds find people expect someone with a soft name to be warm, agreeable and calm.
The meaning is about light. A name can't give a child light, but it's a nice thing to explain to them one day.
A good fit if you hope for: a brilliant mind, the star of the room.
Names set expectations, not personalities. What the research says.
Eleanor: name scorecard
Save your future kid some trouble: give them a name they can live and grow with.
Great choice
Eleanor · nickname: Ellie, Nora
- International readabilitySimple letters that read the same almost everywhere.
- Easy to say and spellSays itself: 3 syllables, spelt how it sounds.
- Not too common, not too strangePopular. Familiar and safe, a bit less personal.
- Playground-proofNo obvious rude words or rhymes. Kids are creative, though.
- Won't get you sued (or refused)Nothing a registrar would object to in most countries.
- A meaning to be proud ofMeans "Light, shining one".
Names with a similar meaning
More Greek names
A New Zealand judge made a 9-year-old a ward of court so she could change her name. It was Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii.
Family Court of New Zealand (2008)Questions about Eleanor
What does the name Eleanor mean?
Eleanor is a girl's name of Greek origin meaning "Light, shining one".
Is Eleanor a boy or girl name?
Eleanor is usually a girl's name.
How popular is the name Eleanor?
Eleanor is in the US top 100. It is used in English-speaking countries.
What are nicknames for Eleanor?
Common nicknames for Eleanor are Ellie, Nora and Nell.
Fun, but true. Name meanings come from common etymologies, which sometimes disagree. Height and weight paths are estimates from population growth data and published studies, not a medical assessment. If you're worried about your child's growth, talk to your paediatrician. Full disclaimer