Éleuthère

Éleuthère is a masculine given name of French origin. It derives from the Greek Eleuthérios (or Eleutheros), meaning “free” or “liberated,” and entered French via Latin as Eleutherius. In French usage the name is typically written with an initial accented E (Éleuthère) and has appeared in various spellings reflecting its Greek roots. Historically it was more common in France and among French emigrant communities; in contemporary contexts it remains rare and is mostly encountered in genealogical or archival material.

The name is primarily associated with male bearers and is regarded as showcasing classical or religiously inspired naming traditions common in earlier centuries. Its usage has declined in modern times, with Éleuthère now seen mainly in historical records or among families with a deliberate nod to French heritage.

Notable bearers include Éleuthère Irénée du Pont (1771–1834), a French-born chemist who founded the American gunpowder business that evolved into the DuPont Company. This association underscores the name’s historical prominence in French-speaking circles and in early American industry. Overall, Éleuthère remains a rarely used, historically rooted given name in the Francophone world.