It was the name of a number of women of royalty and nobility in western Europe during the High Middle Ages.

The name was introduced to England by Eleanor of Aquitaine, who came to marry King Henry II.

[1] Eleanor Roosevelt, the longest-serving first lady of the U.S., was probably the most famous bearer of the name in contemporary history.

[3] The origin of the name is somewhat unclear; one of the earliest bearers appears to have been Eleanor of Aquitaine (1120s–1204).

[4] Eleanor of Aquitaine, the most powerful woman in 12th century Europe, was certainly the reason for the name's later popularity.