All about the name LEONOR

Meaning, origin, history.

Leonor is a feminine given name of Spanish origin, derived from the German male name Liudger, which means "famous spear". However, when used as a female name, Leonor often carries the meaning "ready for battle" or "brave and courageous", reflecting its association with the powerful and influential women who have borne this name throughout history.

The name Leonor first gained prominence in Spain during the Middle Ages. It was made popular by Queen Leonor of Castile (1101-1164), who was a member of the powerful House of Burgundy. She married King Alfonso VII of Castile and played an important role in unifying the various regions of Spain under their rule. The couple had several children, including Sancho III, who later became king himself.

Over time, Leonor has become one of the most popular names for girls in Spanish-speaking countries. It has also been adopted by other cultures, with notable bearers including the British royal family's Princess Leonore, daughter of Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and his wife Sofia Hellqvist. Despite its origins as a male name, Leonor has come to be strongly associated with femininity and grace, perhaps due in part to its use by powerful women throughout history.

In terms of its usage today, Leonor remains a popular choice for parents looking for a name that is both distinctive and meaningful. Its strong, regal associations make it an appealing option for those who wish to honor the past while also choosing a name that will stand out among more common options. Whether you are drawn to Leonor because of its historical significance or simply appreciate its unique sound, this elegant and powerful name is sure to make a lasting impression.

See also

Spanish
German

Popularity of the name LEONOR since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

Based on the statistics provided, the name Leonor has seen a varied trend in its usage as a baby girl's name in the United States over the past century and a half.

The earliest record of the name Leonor being given to newborn girls in the U.S. was in the year 1885, with a total of six births that year. This number remained consistent throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fluctuating between five and ten births per year from 1885 to 1904.

However, starting in 1905, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Leonor. The number of births jumped to 19 that year, and this upward trend continued throughout the following decades. By 1912, 36 girls were named Leonor at birth, and this figure peaked at 88 births in 1921.

The 1920s and 1930s saw a steady decline in the usage of the name Leonor, with the annual number of births dropping from 78 in 1923 to 39 in 1941. However, this downward trend was short-lived, as the name began to gain traction once again in the mid-20th century.

Between 1950 and 1965, the number of girls named Leonor at birth ranged from 45 to 70 per year. This period also marked a time of consistent usage for the name, with no significant fluctuations or drops in popularity.

The latter half of the 20th century saw a gradual decrease in the usage of the name Leonor once again. From 1966 to 2004, the annual number of births ranged from 19 to 53, indicating that the name was still being given to newborn girls but at a less frequent rate than in previous decades.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Leonor. From 2005 to 2023, the annual number of births ranged from 23 to 60, indicating that parents are once again choosing this unique and distinctive name for their daughters.

Overall, the statistics show that while the name Leonor has not been consistently popular throughout its history in the United States, it has maintained a steady presence as a girl's name over time. Its usage has waxed and waned over the years but has never disappeared entirely, suggesting that there is something enduringly appealing about this particular moniker.