Leonor is a feminine given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the name "León" which means "lion" in Spanish. The suffix "-or" or "-ora" indicates that it is a female variant of the name León.
The name Leonor has been popular among Spanish royalty throughout history. One notable example is Leonor of Aquitaine, who was a prominent figure during the High Middle Ages. She was a Duchess of Aquitaine and Countess of Poitou in her own right, as well as Queen consort of France from 1137 to 1152 and Holy Roman Empress from 1149 until her husband's death in 1154.
Another famous bearer of the name is Leonor Álvarez-Cahier, a Spanish pianist who was active during the early 20th century. She was known for her interpretations of Spanish music and was considered one of the finest pianists of her generation.
Today, Leonor continues to be a popular choice among parents in Spain and other Hispanic countries, as well as gaining popularity internationally due to its elegant sound and royal associations. It is also used as a male name in some cultures, but it is more commonly associated with females. Despite its Spanish origins, variations of the name such as Eleanor have been widely adopted by English-speaking countries.
Overall, Leonor is a classic and distinguished name that has stood the test of time, with a rich history and strong associations with power and nobility. Its meaning adds to its appeal, as it signifies strength and courage - qualities often associated with lions in many cultures around the world.
Statistics on the given name Leonor show a consistent but limited presence over time in the United States. According to annual birth records, there were five babies named Leonor born in 1922 and another five born in 1991. This results in a total of ten births for this particular name across these two years. While Leonor is not one of the most common names in the U.S., its usage has remained steady over time, with no significant increase or decrease noted between these two periods.