The name Elnora is a combination of the Hebrew elements "El" meaning "God" and "Nora" meaning "light" or "splendor." It is a feminine given name with its roots in ancient Semitic languages. Elnora can be traced back to the medieval period in parts of Europe, especially in regions with significant Jewish populations.

The earliest known record of the name Elnora dates back to the 13th century in Germany, where it appeared in local census records and birth registries. During this time, the name was occasionally used in Jewish communities across Central and Eastern Europe, though its popularity was relatively limited.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Elnora experienced a modest surge in usage, particularly in the United States. This coincided with the rise of literary works that featured characters with this name, such as the novel "Elnora" by Gene Stratton-Porter, published in 1909.

Notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Elnora include Elnora Milliken Cromwell (1875-1965), an American author and educator. Another was Elnora Ashford (1908-1988), a prominent African American musician and composer known for her contributions to the Harlem Renaissance.

Elnora Ferguson (1892-1957) was an American film actress who appeared in numerous silent films during the 1920s. Elnora Ralston (1905-1965) was another actress from the same era, starring in several Hollywood productions during the 1920s and 1930s.

In the religious realm, Elnora Gilfoyle (1928-2010) was a renowned Catholic sister and educator who served as the president of Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 1979 to 1990.

While the name Elnora has never been among the most widely used, it has maintained a presence throughout various periods and cultures, carrying with it a sense of divine light and radiance.