Eliza Allen Starr (August 29, 1824 – September 8, 1901) was an American artist, art critic, teacher, and lecturer.

On her mother's side she was descended from the "Allens of the Bars," originally of Chelmsford, England, who were prominent in Colonial history.

In the latter city she formed many acquaintances of note, among them Archbishop Kenrick, through whose influence she was led into the Roman Catholic Church.

In 1875 she went to Europe, where she remained for some time, and on her return she published her art work, Pilgrims and Shrines, which, with her Patron Saints, has been widely read.

[4] A convert from Unitarianism to Catholicism, in 1885 she became the first woman to be awarded the Laetare Medal, the most prestigious honour given to American Catholics.