Leonora is a unique and elegant feminine given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish name Leonor, which itself is composed of two elements: "leo" meaning lion, and "nor" which is a shortened form of the Latin word "honos" meaning honor or fame.
The name Leonora has been popular throughout history, particularly among Spanish royalty. One of the most notable bearers of this name was Leonor de Guzman, who was the mistress of King Alfonso XI of Castile in the 14th century. Their son, Pedro the Cruel, eventually became king.
In literature, the name Leonora gained further prominence through its use by Lord Byron in his poem "Manfred" (1817), and later by Edgar Allan Poe in his short story "Ligeia" (1838). These works helped to popularize the name outside of Spain and give it a romantic and mysterious aura.
Today, Leonora is still considered an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet timeless name for their daughter. Its meaning of "lion of honor" suggests strength and dignity, while its historical and literary associations lend it an air of sophistication and intrigue. Overall, Leonora is a powerful and captivating name that has stood the test of time.
The name Leonora has been used consistently in the United States since at least 1880, with an average of about 26 births per year during that decade.
However, starting from 1915, there was a significant increase in the popularity of this name, reaching over 100 births annually for five consecutive years. The peak occurred in 1918 when there were 133 recorded births.
Between 1920 and 1945, the number of babies named Leonora fluctuated around an average of about 60 births per year, with some notable spikes reaching over 70 births annually.
After World War II, the popularity of the name Leonora began to decline steadily. Between 1950 and 2000, there were fewer than 50 babies named Leonora born each year on average.
In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence in the use of this classic name. Since 2014, more than 50 girls have been named Leonora annually, with the number reaching an impressive 105 births in 2023.
In total, over 7,298 babies have been named Leonora in the United States since record-keeping began in 1880. This demonstrates that while its popularity has ebbed and flowed over time, the name Leonora continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its distinctive sound and timeless charm.