Nelly is an adorable baby name for your daughter that has a wholesome and kindhearted feel. It began as a diminutive for Nell, which dates back to Eleanor and Helen. As of 2021, Nelly is a top 3,700 option for girls.

Meaning of the name Nelly:

Greek: light
French: shining light
English: light

Origin of the name Nelly:

Nelly began as a nickname for Nell. Nell itself was first a diminutive for options that began with “el.” It likely represented Eleanor and Ellen. Some even used Nell as a nickname for Helen. Eleanor dates back to the ancient Occitan name Alienor. Ellen is the English form of Helen, which comes from the Greek name Helene.

Symbolism of the name Nelly:

Nelly has the same meaning as Nell, since it is a diminutive for it. Nell ultimately, has the same translations as Helen, Ellen, and Eleanor. Eleanor translates to “shining light.” Ellen and Helen both mean “light.”

Style of the name Nelly:

Traditional

Gender of the name Nelly:

Nelly is a youthful baby name for girls.

Pronunciation of the name Nelly:

NEHL-ee

Number of syllables in the name Nelly:

Two

Emotion evoked from the name Nelly:

Nelly is a wholesome and kindhearted baby name. It feels youthful and informal.

Alternative spellings for the name Nelly:

  • Nellie 
  • Nellee
  • Nelley
  • Neley
  • Nely
  • Nelee
  • Nelie

Nicknames for the name Nelly:

Popularity of the name Nelly:

Nelly has no history as a top 1,000 baby name in America, according to the Social Security Popularity Index. As of 2021, Nelly is a top 3,700 option. It is number 3,642.

Related names for the name Nelly:

Great middle names for Nelly and their meanings:

  • Louise (famous warrior)
  • Briar (thorny bush containing wild roses)
  • Carla (free woman)
  • Alexandra (defender of men)
  • Rosanna (rose, gracious rose)
  • Janine (God is gracious)
  • Fleur (flower)
  • Lucille (light)

Famous people with the name Nelly:

  • Nelly Furtado (singer, songwriter)
  • Nelly Kalfayan (singer, comedian)
  • Nelly Arcan (novelist)
  • Nelly Landry (tennis player)
  • Nelly Olin (politician in France)
  • Nelly Thuring (politician in Sweden)
  • Nelly Viennot (soccer referee)
  • Nelly Benschop (poet)

Nellys in popular culture:

  • Nelly Welch (character from “True to the Old Flag”)
  • Nelly (character from “The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod”)
  • Nelly Yuki (character from “Gossip Girl”)
  • Nelly Hardy (character from “Facing Death”)