The name Eleanore has its origins in the Provençal French form of the Occitan word "Alienor", which itself derives from the Germanic elements "ali" meaning "other" and "nor" meaning "nobility". The name was popularized by Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful and influential figures of the Middle Ages.

Eleanore first appeared in written records during the 12th century, when Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204) became one of the most prominent women of her era. As the Duchess of Aquitaine and later Queen of France and England, she played a vital role in the politics and culture of medieval Europe.

Another notable Eleanore was Eleanor of Castile (1241-1290), the first wife of Edward I of England. She accompanied her husband on the Eighth Crusade and was renowned for her piety and charitable works.

In the 14th century, Eleanor of Woodstock (1318-1349) was a daughter of King Edward II of England and a prominent figure at the court of her nephew, Edward III.

During the Renaissance, Eleanor of Austria (1498-1558) was a Queen of Portugal and later Queen of France as the wife of King Francis I. She was known for her patronage of the arts and her interest in religious reform.

The name also has a notable literary connection through Eleanor Tilney, a character in Jane Austen's novel "Northanger Abbey", which was published in 1817.

Other historical figures with the name Eleanore include Eleanor of Provence (1223-1291), who was the Queen of England as the wife of King Henry III, and Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204), who was one of the most powerful and influential figures of the Middle Ages.

While the name fell out of fashion for a time, it experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 20th century, particularly in the United States and parts of Europe.