> What was Eleanor Roosevelt's maiden name, or the surname she was born with?And the answer: Roosevelt.Photo credit: CNN.Eleanor Roosevelt's father was the younger brother ofPresident Theodore Roosevelt. Through her marriage with distant cousin FranklinDelano Roosevelt, she served as First Lady of the United States for 12 years,and was the first Chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most admired American women of the 20thcentury, known for her efforts to provide worldwide humanitarian efforts andencourage world peace. Roosevelt was born into a wealthy family in 1886. After a shy childhood known asthe "ugly" child (her mother going so far as to make fun of her appearance withthe nickname "granny"), Roosevelt suffered further loss with the death of hermother and father. As young Eleanor struggled, her enduring sense of empathy forthose less fortunate grew. In her early adulthood, Roosevelt was introduced tothe conditions of sweatshops and the children working therein. Fueled bycuriosity and care, Roosevelt embarked on a lifelong journey of learning andhelping where she could. In 1905, Eleanor married Franklin Roosevelt, her fifth cousin once removed. Bythe 1920s, Roosevelt had raised five children, was involved in Democratic Partypolitics, and participated in numerous social reform organizations. While herhusband ran for office, Eleanor volunteered with the American Red Cross and inNavy hospitals during World War I. Eleanor remains one of the most active First Ladies in American history. It wasshe who began to transform the role of the First Lady, bringing her politicalconsciousness and activity with her into the White House. It was she whotravelled around the United States gathering information about the rollout andeffects of her husband's New Deal during the Great Depression. While her earlylife and marriage were tumultuous, it was she who contributed great work to thebetterment of early- to mid-20th century American life. Learn more about her life and legacy below.