While Elinor specifically may not be among the most popular names globally, the similar name Eleanor has gained popularity and recognition in various countries.

Elinor Dashwood is one of the main characters in Jane Austen's novel "Sense and Sensibility." She is portrayed as a sensible and reserved young woman who navigates the challenges of love, society, and family dynamics. Elinor Dashwood represents a balance of reason and emotion in the story. Elinor Smith, also known as "The Flying Flapper of Freeport," was an American aviator who achieved significant milestones in the field of aviation during the 1920s and 1930s. She set numerous flying records and became an inspiration for aspiring female pilots.

Elinor Ostrom was an American political economist and the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. She was awarded the prize in 2009 for her research on the governance of common resources, highlighting the importance of cooperation and collective action in managing shared resources.