Nellie
Nellie is a diminutive of Helen or Eleanor, with roots in Greek meaning 'light' or 'shining one.' This Victorian-era favorite has a sweet, old-fashioned charm that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Current Popularity
Popularity over time
Dashed bar: 2026 (projected): 576. How this is calculated
Yearly values
- 2011: 116
- 2012: 139
- 2013: 158
- 2014: 183
- 2015: 197
- 2016: 202
- 2017: 196
- 2018: 239
- 2019: 311
- 2020: 325
- 2021: 384
- 2022: 446
- 2023: 486
- 2024: 592
- 2025: 567
- 2026 (projected): 576
Good to Know
- •Easy to spell and pronounce across languages
- •Works well as both a given name and nickname
- •Strong historical associations with pioneering women
- •Has a vintage feel without being too formal
Similar Names
Famous People
Nellie Bly
Pioneering investigative journalist
Nellie Melba
Renowned opera soprano
Nellie McClung
Canadian suffragist and author
Nellie Kim
Olympic gymnast
Statistics
152,691
Total births since 1880
1918
Peak year
Discovery
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