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