87 Names Like Eleanor: Timeless Alternatives

Many parents search for classic names with a touch of old-world charm. Eleanor stands out as a top choice, but what if you want something similar yet different?

Most moms and dads feel stuck when looking for names that carry the same timeless feel as Eleanor. They spend hours checking baby name books without finding the right match.

Good news! There are dozens of beautiful options that share Eleanor’s classic appeal and rich history.

These alternatives offer the same refined quality while giving your child a distinct identity.

Ready to find the perfect name? This list of 87 alternatives to Eleanor will help you pick a name that sounds just right when you call your little one to dinner for years to come.

What Makes Names Like Eleanor Special?

Names like Eleanor have a special quality that many parents look for. Let’s see what makes these names stand out.

These names have been around for hundreds of years. Eleanor herself goes back to the 1100s! This long history gives the name a strong feeling of trust and respect.

Names like Eleanor sound good with both short and long last names. They work well in many situations – from a baby’s crib card to a business card when they grow up.

These names often have cute nicknames. Eleanor can become Ellie, Ella, Nora, or Nell. This gives a child options as they grow and find their own style.

Names in this group have a certain sound that feels both old and new. They were popular long ago, then less common, and now many parents are picking them again.

Many of these names have links to important people in history. This gives a child a built-in role model from the start.

The letters and sounds in names like Eleanor flow nicely. They’re not hard to say or spell, but they still sound special.

In short, names like Eleanor are special because they connect to the past while still feeling right for today’s children.

Regional and Cultural Variations of The Name Eleanor

The name Eleanor appears differently across cultures while keeping its core identity. Here’s how it varies around the world:

In France, it’s Éléonore, with French families often using Léo or Nora as nicknames. The accent marks change the pronunciation slightly.

Spanish-speaking regions prefer Leonor. This version is common in Spain and throughout Latin America.

Italian families use Eleonora, typically shortened to Nora or Ela in everyday use. In Germany and Austria, Eleonore is standard, with Leni and Ella as popular nicknames.

Eastern European variations include Hungary’s Eleonóra and the Slavic Eleonora used in Poland, Russia, and the Czech Republic.

Scandinavian countries favor Ellinor or Elinor, especially in Sweden and Norway. Scotland has the most distinctive variation with Eilidh, pronounced “ay-lee,” which shares Eleanor’s historical roots.

Even within English-speaking countries, spelling differences occur. American families sometimes use Eleanor or Elanor, while British naming traditions usually maintain the classic Eleanor spelling.

These variations show how this ancient name adapts to local languages while preserving its timeless appeal.

Beautiful Names Inspired by Eleanor

Check out a collection of beautiful names inspired by the timeless elegance and grace of Eleanor, perfect for anyone seeking a meaningful and sophisticated name. From classic to modern variations, explore options that carry a legacy of strength and beauty.

1. Eleanor

• Meaning: “Light” or “bright one”
• Origin: Old French, Greek
• Popularity: Classic and consistently popular, especially in English-speaking countries.

2. Eleanora

• Meaning: “Light” or “torch”
• Origin: Italian, Old French
• Popularity: Vintage name that has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

3. Elenor

• Meaning: Variant of Eleanor, “Light” or “bright one”
• Origin: English, Old French
• Popularity: Less common but still recognized as a variant of Eleanor.

4. Elianor

• Meaning: “Light” or “bright one”
• Origin: English, Old French
• Popularity: Rare but related to the more popular Eleanor.

5. Elinor

• Meaning: “Light” or “bright one”
• Origin: Old French, Greek
• Popularity: A classic name, less common than Eleanor but still in use.

6. Elinore

• Meaning: “Light” or “bright one”
• Origin: English, Old French
• Popularity: Similar to Elinor but less common.

7. Ellenora

• Meaning: “Light” or “torch”
• Origin: English, Old French
• Popularity: An older, vintage variation of Eleanor.

8. Elanor

• Meaning: “Light” or “sun ray”
• Origin: Old French, Greek
• Popularity: A rare variation, but recognized in literature.

9. Elenora

• Meaning: “Light” or “bright one”
• Origin: Old French
• Popularity: A rare variation of Eleanor, more common in some European countries.

10. Elleanor

• Meaning: “Light” or “bright one”
• Origin: Old French
• Popularity: A less common but still used variant.

11. Eleanore

• Meaning: “Light” or “torch”
• Origin: Old French
• Popularity: Similar to Eleanor but more rare.

12. Eleonora

• Meaning: “Light” or “torch”
• Origin: Latin, Old French
• Popularity: A beautiful and classic name used across Europe.

13. Eleonore

• Meaning: “Light” or “bright one”
• Origin: Latin, Old French
• Popularity: Seen in European countries, though not as popular in English-speaking areas.

14. Elenoa

• Meaning: “Light” or “bright one”
• Origin: A unique variation of Eleanor
• Popularity: Very rare, seldom seen.

15. Leanora

• Meaning: “Light” or “torch”
• Origin: English, Italian
• Popularity: A vintage name, uncommon but still used.

16. Leonora

• Meaning: “Light” or “honor”
• Origin: Latin, Italian
• Popularity: A classic name used in several European cultures.

17. Leonor

• Meaning: “Light” or “honor”
• Origin: Spanish, Latin
• Popularity: Popular in Spanish-speaking countries.

18. Lenore

• Meaning: “Light” or “torch”
• Origin: Greek
• Popularity: A vintage name, more commonly recognized due to literature.

19. Leanore

• Meaning: “Light” or “honor”
• Origin: English, Latin
• Popularity: Rare, with some literary connections.

20. Norah

• Meaning: “Light” or “honor”
• Origin: Irish, English
• Popularity: A popular, Beautiful name with a classic feel.

21. Nora

• Meaning: “Light” or “honor”
• Origin: Irish, English
• Popularity: Widely used, especially in English-speaking countries.

22. Nella

• Meaning: “Bright” or “shining light”
• Origin: Italian, Latin
• Popularity: Rare, a cute and vintage name.

23. Nell

• Meaning: “Bright” or “shining light”
• Origin: English, Greek
• Popularity: Less common, but still recognized.

24. Nellie

• Meaning: “Bright” or “shining light”
• Origin: English
• Popularity: A sweet and vintage name, but less common today.

25. Lena

• Meaning: “Light” or “bright one”
• Origin: Greek, Latin
• Popularity: Popular in many cultures, including Scandinavian and German.

26. Lennie

• Meaning: “Brave” or “lion-hearted”
• Origin: English, German
• Popularity: Less common but has vintage charm.

27. Ella

• Meaning: “Fairy Maiden” or “Goddess”
• Origin: German, English
• Popularity: Very popular in many countries, especially in English-speaking ones.

28. Elle

• Meaning: “She” or “her”
• Origin: French
• Popularity: Stylish and modern, but not overly common.

29. Ellie

• Meaning: “Shining light” or “bright one”
• Origin: English
• Popularity: Very popular, especially in recent years.

30. Elly

• Meaning: “Shining light” or “bright one”
• Origin: English
• Popularity: Less common, but still used.

Similar Vintage Names Like Eleanor

31. Elaine

• Meaning: “Shining light”
• Origin: Old French, Greek
• Popularity: Rare, but still appreciated for its vintage charm.

32. Elena

• Meaning: “Shining light”
• Origin: Greek, Spanish, Italian
• Popularity: Widely popular, especially in Spanish-speaking countries.

33. Elaina

• Meaning: “Shining light”
• Origin: French, Greek
• Popularity: A modern variant of Elena, growing in popularity.

34. Elia

• Meaning: “The Lord is my God”
• Origin: Hebrew, Spanish
• Popularity: Rare, but still used in some cultures.

35. Elodie

• Meaning: “Marsh flower”
• Origin: French
• Popularity: Gaining in popularity, especially in French-speaking countries.

36. Eloise

• Meaning: “Healthy” or “wide”
• Origin: French, German
• Popularity: Classic and steadily popular.

37. Eliza

• Meaning: “God is my oath”
• Origin: Hebrew, English
• Popularity: A classic name that remains stylish.

38. Elspeth

• Meaning: “God is my oath”
• Origin: Scottish
• Popularity: A vintage name with a Scottish origin, quite rare today.

39. Elsie

• Meaning: “God is my oath”
• Origin: Scottish, English
• Popularity: Vintage but seeing a resurgence.

40. Elsa

• Meaning: “God is my oath”
• Origin: German, Scandinavian
• Popularity: Popular, especially due to Disney’s “Frozen.”

41. Helen

• Meaning: “Shining light”
• Origin: Greek
• Popularity: Classic, and once extremely popular, still well-known today.

42. Helena

• Meaning: “Shining light”
• Origin: Greek
• Popularity: Timeless and still popular in many countries.

43. Helene

• Meaning: “Torch” or “moon”
• Origin: Greek
• Popularity: Not as popular as Helen but still in use.

44. Eileen

• Meaning: “Bright, shining one”
• Origin: Irish
• Popularity: Once very popular, still used today.

45. Aileen

• Meaning: “Light” or “bright one”
• Origin: Irish, Gaelic
• Popularity: Vintage, but not as common today.

46. Aenor

• Meaning: “Honor”
• Origin: Old French
• Popularity: Rare, mostly seen in historical contexts.

47. Isadora

• Meaning: “Gift of Isis”
• Origin: Greek
• Popularity: A rare, Beautiful name with vintage appeal.

48. Isobel

• Meaning: “God is my oath”
• Origin: Scottish, Hebrew
• Popularity: Classic, with some modern appeal.

49. Genevieve

• Meaning: “Race of women”
• Origin: French
• Popularity: A vintage name that is growing in popularity.

50. Rosalind

• Meaning: “Pretty rose” or “gentle horse”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: A classic name with vintage charm.

51. Edith

• Meaning: “Prosperous in war”
• Origin: Old English
• Popularity: Vintage, but making a comeback in recent years.

52. Beatrice

• Meaning: “She who brings happiness”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: A classic and Beautiful name, popular in many countries.

53. Alice

• Meaning: “Noble” or “exalted”
• Origin: Old French, Germanic
• Popularity: A timeless classic, very popular historically and still in use.

54. Amelia

• Meaning: “Work” or “industrious”
• Origin: Latin, Germanic
• Popularity: Very popular, especially in English-speaking countries.

55. Clara

• Meaning: “Bright” or “clear”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: Classic, vintage, and still in use today.

56. Cora

• Meaning: “Maiden” or “heart”
• Origin: Greek
• Popularity: A vintage name that’s seen a resurgence in recent years.

57. Adeline

• Meaning: “Noble” or “noble kind”
• Origin: French, German
• Popularity: A classic name making a comeback.

58. Adela

• Meaning: “Noble” or “noble kind”
• Origin: German, Old English
• Popularity: Vintage, with a growing appeal.

59. Adelaide

• Meaning: “Noble kind” or “noble nature”
• Origin: German
• Popularity: A classic name, with a strong vintage charm.

60. Arabella

• Meaning: “Yielding to prayer”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: Beautiful and vintage, with a modern revival.

61. Augusta

• Meaning: “Great” or “magnificent”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: Vintage, regal, and still used in some circles.

62. Josephine

• Meaning: “God will increase”
• Origin: Hebrew
• Popularity: A timeless, classic name that’s steadily popular.

63. Victoria

• Meaning: “Victory”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: A classic and royal name, still widely popular.

64. Vivienne

• Meaning: “Alive” or “lively”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: A vintage name, gaining in popularity in recent years.

65. Ottilie

• Meaning: “Prosperous in battle”
• Origin: German
• Popularity: Rare but Beautiful, with vintage charm.

66. Cecile

• Meaning: “Blind” or “dim-sighted”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: A vintage name, Beautiful but not very common.

67. Cecilia

• Meaning: “Blind” or “dim-sighted”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: Classic and timeless, with a steady appeal.

68. Matilda

• Meaning: “Battle-mighty”
• Origin: Germanic
• Popularity: A vintage name that’s become very popular in recent years.

69. Margaret

• Meaning: “Pearl”
• Origin: Greek
• Popularity: A classic name, still common but somewhat vintage in feel.

70. Margot

• Meaning: “Pearl”
• Origin: French
• Popularity: A chic, Beautiful name with a vintage vibe.

71. Mabel

• Meaning: “Lovable” or “dear”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: Vintage, with a resurgence in modern times.

72. Ivy

• Meaning: “Faithfulness” or “eternity”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: Popular today, especially in nature-inspired names.

73. Violet

• Meaning: “Purple flower” or “modesty”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: A classic, nature-inspired name that is very popular today.

74. Estelle

• Meaning: “Star”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: Vintage and Beautiful, with some modern appeal.

75. Estella

• Meaning: “Star”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: A beautiful vintage name, less common but still appreciated.

76. Aurelia

• Meaning: “Golden”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: Vintage and Beautiful, but not overly common.

77. Ophelia

• Meaning: “Help” or “serpentine”
• Origin: Greek
• Popularity: A classic name, known from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” but less common today.

78. Dorothea

• Meaning: “Gift of God”
• Origin: Greek
• Popularity: A classic, vintage name with a long history.

79. Theodora

• Meaning: “Gift of God”
• Origin: Greek
• Popularity: A regal, vintage name with ongoing appeal.

80. Emmeline

• Meaning: “Hardworking” or “industrious”
• Origin: Germanic
• Popularity: A vintage name making a strong comeback.

81. Elara

• Meaning: One of Jupiter’s moons, “Shining light”
• Origin: Greek
• Popularity: Rare but Beautiful and celestial in nature.

82. Eleri

• Meaning: “Greatly blessed”
• Origin: Welsh
• Popularity: Unique and rare, with some modern appeal.

83. Annalise

• Meaning: “Grace” or “God is my oath”
• Origin: German
• Popularity: A vintage-sounding name that is becoming more popular.

84. Clementine

• Meaning: “Mild, gentle”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: A vintage name, making a fashionable comeback.

85. Felicity

• Meaning: “Happiness” or “good fortune”
• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: A charming, vintage name with modern appeal.

86. Henrietta

• Meaning: “Ruler of the home”
• Origin: Germanic
• Popularity: A classic name with vintage charm, though less common today.

87. Winifred

• Meaning: “Holy” or “blessed peace”
• Origin: Welsh
• Popularity: Vintage, with some modern appeal as a revival name.

Famous People Named Eleanor

• Eleanor Roosevelt: Former First Lady, diplomat, and human rights advocate, known for her role in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen of France and England, and a powerful medieval political leader and patron of the arts.
• Eleanor Holmes Norton: U.S. Congresswoman and civil rights lawyer, advocating for D.C. statehood and citizens’ rights.
• Eleanor Parker: Actress best known for her role as the baroness in The Sound of Music and for her acclaimed film performances.
• Eleanor Tomlinson: English actress known for her role as Demelza in Poldark and in Jack the Giant Slayer.
• Eleanor Audley: Voice actress famous for voicing Lady Tremaine in Cinderella and Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty.
• Eleanor Worthington Cox: English actress known for her role in Matilda the Musical and various television dramas.
• Eleanor Boardman: Silent film actress popular in the 1920s, known for her roles in The White Circle and The Flaming Forest.
• Eleanor Steber: Renowned American operatic soprano who performed with major opera houses like the Metropolitan Opera.
• Eleanor Coppola: Documentary filmmaker and wife of Francis Ford Coppola, known for Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse.

The Bottom Line

Names similar to Eleanor offer that perfect mix of timeless appeal and distinctive character.

These 87 alternatives provide options that carry the same Beautiful spirit while giving your child a unique identity.

Choosing a name is personal and meaningful. The right name connects to family history, sounds pleasing, and grows well with your child from infancy to adulthood.

What next? Save your favorites from this list and try saying them aloud. Picture calling your child by these names throughout different stages of life. Consider how they pair with your last name and potential middle names.

Have a beautiful alternative to Eleanor that didn’t make our list? Share it in the comments below! I’m always expanding my collection of classic name options.