When choosing a name, some parents choose to go with a name that is modern, has a unique spelling, or something similar. Meanwhile, other parents fall in love with names that are classic and historical, and the name Eleanor is such a name.
Over the years, a number of great women in power have held the name, and have subsequently left their mark upon the history books as well.
To help you to choose a middle name for Eleanor, it might be helpful to know about some of the histories behind the name.
Origin of the Name Eleanor
The name Eleanor was originally coined from an Old French form of an Occitan name, Aliénor, and one of the earliest recordings of its use was of the great French and English queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. This great queen is responsible for a number of fascinating historical feats including being believed to be the inductor of built-in fireplaces in homes.
Some of her other, more impressive feats include using her prowess for education to promote and preserve many of the courtly duties of chivalry. Her Court of Love and push for chivalry had such an influence on literature, poetry, and overall society, that she may be the very reason we have the knight in shining armor tales today.
Another tremendous influencer in history lands closer to home, with Eleanor Roosevelt. Eleanor Roosevelt forever changed the role of First Lady for our country.
She created her own newspaper and fought diligently to help the country’s poor and those who faced racial discrimination. She even went to visit troops during the fighting in World War II.
Her wisdom and words left an incredible impact on the United States, and her husband often credited her for helping him in his role during the tumultuous times of the war.
She fought for women to take a stand for themselves and to better their lives, leaving behind quotes like, “Do one thing every day that scares you.”
The name itself has gone in and out of fashion since the 1900s, but in recent years has jumped in popularity, maintaining a spot in the top 100 baby names. It is believed that the meaning of the name is bright, shining one, which is certainly a perfect description of any beautiful baby.
Unique Middle Names for Eleanor
Because of the classic and historical nature of the name, parents may choose to go with a more modern or adventurous middle name.
Names like Eleanor Alianna, Eleanor Amya, Eleanor Cadence, Eleanor Celeste, Eleanor Faye, Eleanor Hadley, Eleanor Haven, Eleanor Liv, Eleanor Tatum, Eleanor Tinley, Eleanor Winter, or Eleanor Zaylee would be wonderful and unique choices.
Classic Middle Names for Eleanor
When choosing a middle name for Eleanor, you may want to follow the more classic or traditional names to match.
Names like Eleanor Abigail, Eleanor Alexandra, Eleanor Annabelle, Eleanor Aurora, Eleanor Bianca, Eleanor Brianna, Eleanor Camille, Eleanor Carina, Eleanor Carlotta, Eleanor Catherine, Eleanor Charisse, Eleanor Charlotte, Eleanor Christine, Eleanor Cordelia,
Eleanor Cora, Eleanor Daniella, Eleanor Daphne, Eleanor Elaine, Eleanor Elizabeth, Eleanor Francesca, Eleanor Gabrielle, Eleanor Grace, Eleanor Harriet, Eleanor Helena, Eleanor Jaqueline, Eleanor Jane,
Eleanor Josephine, Eleanor Juliette, Eleanor Laurel, Eleanor Lillian, Eleanor Lisbet, Eleanor Madeline, Eleanor Mariana, Eleanor Patience, Eleanor Philomena, Eleanor Rachael, Eleanor Rebecca,
Eleanor Rosemary, Eleanor Savannah, Eleanor Scarlet, Eleanor Selene, Eleanor Violet, and Eleanor Willa are excellent traditional names.
Classic and Unique Combination Middle Names for Eleanor
While some of the names in the list above are unique in their own right, some of the names used throughout history have a beautiful individuality to them that would pair perfectly with Eleanor.
Names like Eleanor Aaliyah, Eleanor Adelaide, Eleanor Avalon, Eleanor Celia, Eleanor Cybil, Eleanor Delia, Eleanor Kailyn, Eleanor Keira, Eleanor Lainey, Eleanor Lavinia, Eleanor Lysa, Eleanor Margo,
Eleanor Millicent, Eleanor Moira, Eleanor Odette, Eleanor Portia, Eleanor Rhiannon, Eleanor Siena, Eleanor Temperance, Eleanor Tillie, Eleanor Ursa, and Eleanor Xandra are unique names that accent both the history of the name Eleanor and the classic style.
Family Names
A wonderful way to add a personal touch to the name of your baby is to include a name of a beloved friend or family member.
Using the name of a loved one gives your child the opportunity to share a bond with whomever she shares a name, and also opens up for the beauty of sharing family stories together.
While giving your child a family name is not necessary to create that special bond, it does serve as a constant reminder of the love you have for that special loved one in your life and your child.
Conclusion
Eleanor is beautiful and historic, with several of history’s greatest influencers carrying the name.
Whether your choice is to pair the historic name with a more modern and unique name, to follow suit with a traditional name, or to personalize it with the name of a family member, it makes is a great choice for any child.
