Meaning of Eleanor. French name. In French, the name Eleanor means - A variant of Helen introduced into Britain in 12th century AD by King Henry IIs wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine.. Other origins for the name Eleanor include - French, Greek, English.The name Eleanor is most often used as a girl name or female name. French Name Meaning - A variant of Helen introduced into Britain in 12th century AD by King Henry IIs wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Origin - French.