Eleanore

Eleanore is a spelling in the Eleanor family, whose history reaches back to the medieval name Aliénor. The original meaning is uncertain. A popular explanation linking Eleanor with light should not be treated as established simply because its sound resembles Helen or Ellen, which have their own histories.

The final e gives Eleanore a different appearance from Eleanor, but it does not reliably specify a different pronunciation. Some families say the two alike; others prefer a longer reading. Ellie, Nell, and Nellie remain possible familiar forms. If an extra syllable is important, comparing Eleanore with Eleonora may be more useful than assuming the silent-looking ending will make the intended sound obvious.