Leonor

Leonor is a feminine given name used primarily in Spanish-, Portuguese-, and Catalan-speaking communities. It is a regional form of Eleanor, commonly treated as the Spanish and Portuguese variant of that name, which itself has origins in the Old French name Aliénor. The precise etymology of Eleanor is debated, and Leonor’s roots are similarly uncertain. The name has related forms in different languages, including Leonora, Leonore, and Leona.

In contemporary use, Leonor remains popular in Spain, Portugal, and many Latin American countries. It is also associated with royalty; Leonor, Princess of Asturias, is the heir presumptive to the Spanish throne, born in 2005. The name has been borne by notable figures in the arts, such as Leonor Fini (1907–1996), an Italian-born surrealist painter; Leonor Watling (born 1975), a Spanish actress and musician; and Leonor Andrade (born 1996), a Portuguese singer who represented Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015.

Beyond real people, Leonor appears in literature and media within Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking cultures, reflecting its enduring use across generations. Variants and related names include Leonora, Leonore, and Leona, which appear in different languages and contexts. The name continues to be chosen for girls in diverse regions, often carrying cultural associations with tradition and heritage.