The name Elinor is derived from the Old French name Eleonor, which in turn comes from the Occitan phrase "alia Elionor" meaning "the other Aenor". Aenor was a Germanic name brought to France by the Normans. Eleonor itself was likely a variation of the Old German name Aganora, meaning "striving for honor".

The popularity of the name is thought to have been influenced by Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most prominent and influential figures of the Middle Ages. Eleanor (1122-1204) was the Duchess of Aquitaine and later became the Queen Consort of France and then England through her marriages to Louis VII and Henry II.

In the 12th century, the name Elinor began appearing in English records. One of the earliest recorded examples is Elinor of Woodstock (1162-1241), the youngest daughter of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. She was one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in England during her lifetime.

Another notable Elinor in English history was Elinor of Castile (1241-1290), the first wife of Edward I of England. She played a significant role in the administration of the kingdom during her husband's absence while he was on crusade.

In Scotland, the name was also popular, with one of the most famous bearers being Elinor Oliphant (1631-1669), a noblewoman known for her beauty and wit. She was a celebrated poet and playwright during the reign of Charles II.

Moving forward in history, Elinor Glyn (1864-1943) was a British novelist and scriptwriter who popularized the concept of the "It Girl" in her novel "The Philosophy of Love". Her novels were considered quite risqué for their time and were immensely popular.

Elinor Wylie (1885-1928) was an American poet and author who was highly praised for her lyrical and sensual poetry. She was a member of the literary circle in Greenwich Village, New York, and was deeply influenced by the Imagist movement.