Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Leonore

      Origin

      French, German

      Meaning

      Light or Shining One

      Variations

      Aleonore, Eleonore, Leonora
      The name Leonore has its roots in French and German origins, derived from the elements meaning light or shining one. This connotation imbues it with a sense of brilliance and luminescence, suggesting clarity and warmth. It is a feminine name, often associated with qualities of radiance and enlightenment, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a name with deep and positive significance.

      Historically, Leonore has appeared in various forms across different cultures. It gained prominence through European nobility and literature. One of the earliest notable mentions is in the medieval legend of Lohengrin, a story that became prominent through Richard Wagner's opera. In the 19th century, the name further solidified its standing in literary contexts, notably within the works of authors like Heinrich Heine and Christoph Martin Wieland. Over the centuries, it has maintained an air of elegance and sophistication, frequently linked to aristocratic figures and romantic narratives.

      In contemporary society, Leonore remains a favored name in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe and North America. It has seen a resurgence due to trends favoring names with classic roots and distinctiveness. While variations like Eleanor and Lenore are also popular, Leonore retains a unique charm that appeals to modern parents. Its usage in current media, including literature and film, continues to reinforce its relevance, inspiring new generations to embrace a name steeped in history and meaning.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Leonore.
      Joseph

      Joseph

      This is the most common name of those married to a Leonore.
      Leonore

      Leonore

      This is the most common name for a child of a Leonore.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1910 is when there were the most people born with the first name Leonore.

      Explore the origins of another name.