Leonora
Leonora is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Light or compassion; variant of Eleanor or Helen.
Origin and history
Leonora is a classic female name of Greek origin, often derived as a variant of Eleanor or Helen. It enjoyed moderate popularity in the early 20th century in the United States and has seen a mild, modern revival among parents seeking classical names. It carries a sophisticated, romantic feel while remaining relatively rare today.
Popularity in the United States
7,504 babies in the United States have been named Leonora since 1880. It ranks #1934 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1580.
States where it is most popular
- NY (44.2 %)
- CA (13.1 %)
- TX (9.3 %)
- PA (7.9 %)
- MA (7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 252 |
| 1890-1900 | 373 |
| 1900-1910 | 336 |
| 1910-1920 | 916 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,262 |
| 1930-1940 | 718 |
| 1940-1950 | 607 |
| 1950-1960 | 610 |
| 1960-1970 | 513 |
| 1970-1980 | 360 |
| 1980-1990 | 230 |
| 1990-2000 | 151 |
| 2000-2010 | 228 |
| 2010-2019 | 426 |
| 2020-2029 | 522 |
Famous people named Leonora
- Leonora Carrington: Painter, Author
- Leonora Jackson McKim: Violin Concertmaster, Musician
Nicknames
Leo, Nora, Lennie, Nori
Fun facts
- Leonora is a prominent character name in several famous operas, including Verdi's 'Il Trovatore' and 'La Forza del Destino'.
- Surrealist painter and novelist Leonora Carrington helped bring artistic distinction to the name in the 20th century.