Nellie

NEL-ee
Meaning: Diminutive form of Eleanor, meaning 'light' or 'bright'
Gender
Girl
Origin
English, Latin, Greek
Popularity Rank
#611 (girls)
#1201 (overall)

Popularity Summary

Nellie experienced peaks in popularity during the late 1800s and early 1900s, and while less common today, it remains a beloved classic name with nostalgic appeal.

Why Parents Choose Nellie

Parents often select Nellie for its sweet, vintage charm and its rich history of warmth and friendliness.

History & Cultural Significance

Originating as a diminutive of Eleanor or Helen, Nellie became widely used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was especially popular in Victorian England and America, often conveying a sense of affection and familiarity.

Nellie has been a popular and endearing nickname in English-speaking countries, often associated with warmth and charm.

Notable People Named Nellie

  • Nellie Bly (journalist and explorer)
  • Nellie McClung (Canadian suffragist)
  • Nellie Fox (American baseball player)

Name Variations

Nell Nelly Eleanor

Related Names

Helen Eleanor Nellina

Similar Sounding Names

Names with Similar Feel

Sibling Name Ideas

Pop Culture References

  • Nellie Oleson from Little House on the Prairie
  • Nellie the Elephant (children's song)
  • Nellie Bly (as a pioneering journalist)