As parents, we always want what’s best for our kids, providing them with all of life’s advantages as best we can. The first step, of course, is selecting their first name, followed by an equally beautiful middle name.
A middle name is one way of providing your child with a sense of identity and purpose..
Choosing a middle name for your child should be fun, especially if it’s a name that has special meaning to you and your family. It could even be one that’s just unique and (dare we say it) a bit outrageous!
Struggling to come up with an ideal middle name for Eleanor? Check out our following 50 great suggestions:
- Eleanor Aleena
- Eleanor Alessandra
- Eleanor Bexley
- Eleanor Bianca
- Eleanor Camille
- Eleanor Celeste
- Eleanor Demi
- Eleanor Drew
- Eleanor Elle
- Eleanor Ellis
- Eleanor Florence
- Eleanor Frances
- Eleanor Gracie
- Eleanor Greta
- Eleanor Haylee
- Eleanor Hazel
- Eleanor Ivanna
- Eleanor Ivory
- Eleanor Jessica
- Eleanor Jianna
- Eleanor Kai
- Eleanor Kallie
- Eleanor Lauryn
- Eleanor Laylah
- Eleanor Maci
- Eleanor Mae
- Eleanor Nia
- Eleanor Neomi
- Eleanor Oaklie
- Eleanor Olive
- Eleanor Palmer
- Eleanor Paula
- Eleanor Queen
- Eleanor Quinn
- Eleanor Raya
- Eleanor Ruth
- Eleanor Sasha
- Eleanor Savannah
- Eleanor Talia
- Eleanor Taylor
- Eleanor Vienna
- Eleanor Vivian
- Eleanor Winter
- Eleanor Wren
- Eleanor Ximena
- Eleanor Xiomara
- Eleanor Yara
- Eleanor Zaria
- Eleanor Zelda
- Eleanor Zhuri
My favorite middle names for Eleanor are definitely Celeste and Talia. I love their classical feel and distinct femininity. Celeste is of Latin origin and means ‘heavenly’, while Talia is Hebrew for ‘heavenly dew’.
But these are just my personal favorites. More importantly – what are yours? There’s an abundance of names to choose from, so let your imagination flow.
The significance of a perfect middle name
A middle name is more than just a little hidden gem tucked away in official family documents or airplane tickets. For instance, whether you yourself have one or not, for one thing you’ll soon find it can be a great way to reach a compromise if you and your partner can’t totally agree on your baby’s name!
It could also offer your child a kind of ‘safety net’ or backup option if in future they come to dislike their first name.
It’s said that picking a middle name is a bit like designing a room. Though there are lots of rules for matching colors and patterns, ultimately what’s most important is that it works for you.
Whatever you decide, make sure the middle name you choose will be one your daughter will love and feel happy with.
Honoring family members with middle names
If you’re looking for a way to honor your family heritage while passing on the family name, choosing a middle name for your child is a great way to do it.
Show a parent, or possibly a dear departed grandad or aunt, how much they mean to you by letting their first name become your little one’s middle name.
If you’re unsure about using the name of a much-loved relative as a first name, using it as a middle name would work just as well.
We also know some families who’ve used their mom’s maiden name as their baby’s middle name, honoring both families while at the same time keeping the family tree intact.
Nickname potential with middle names
A nickname, or diminutive, can become one of the most creative aspects of naming, being cool, clever, and playful; sometimes taking on an unexpected life of its own.
If you want your daughter’s middle name to be unique and special, there are loads of options to choose from. Try giving them a nickname-rich name that, for instance, lets them use one of either Nell, Penny, or the full Penelope. On the other hand, the name Elizabeth contains the familiar Liz, Lizzie, or Beth, the classics Betty, Bess and Libby, or even the downright unusual Zibby!
Other middle name/nickname options could include a favorite TV or movie character, or an obscure reference (a place name? a color? a flower?) that will make sense to only you and your family?
The full-name power play
“Eleanor Talia Connelly – How many times have I told you to tidy your room!”
That’s right, here comes trouble again. The ‘full-name power play’ is when all three (or more) of a kid’s names are used to strike fear into the heart of even the most rebellious child. And it works every time.
There’s nothing more intimidating than a parent approaching their tearaway kid like a gathering storm and calling them by their first, middle, and last names.
In fact, this tactic could even work in your favor before you’ve actually decided on a middle name. We suggest you write all your proposed names down and listen to how they sound when calling them out loud. The ones that slip off the tongue most easily together could include the middle name you’ve been searching for all this time!
Meaning of the name Eleanor
Eleanor is a name with wonderful meanings and is derived from the Greek name Helen, meaning ‘bright, shining one’.
Eleanor can also mean ‘honor,’ ‘truth,’ or ‘praise,’ making this the perfect name for a daughter who you hope may, one day, bring light into the world.
Famous Eleanors are Eleanor Roosevelt, the longest serving first-lady of the United States (1933-1945), and Eleanor Rigby ( the classic Beatles song).
Most popular nicknames are: Ella, Ellie, Nell, and Nora.
Wrapping up
Middle names can be a fabulous way of adding extra personality to your child’s name. Does it make others smile? Will it grow with your child? Do you love saying it? And, most of all, does it suit your child?
Repeat all 3 names out loud – do they flow nicely? Write them down on paper – do they look and sound good together?
These are just some of our suggested names, so if you’re still undecided, hopefully the list will spark your imagination, inspiring you to unearth the perfect middle name you’re looking for.
Happy hunting!
