Nellie

The baby name Nellie was popular throughout the 20th century, until the late 1970s, when an unpopular TV character knocked it out of favor. However, it's currently making a big comeback. Technically a nickname, Nellie is cute and fun and pairs well with classic and unique middle names.

Meaning of the Name Nellie

Nellie was originally a nickname for Ellen, Helen or Eleanor, all of which are derived from the Gree word “ēlē,” which means “bright” or “light.” Because the name literally means light, it may symbolize life, purity, hope or wisdom.

Nicknames for Nellie

The baby name Nellie evokes images of someone who is intelligent and outgoing. Below, we've created a list of possible nickname options when it comes to the Nellie in your life. However, feel free to come up with an option that's unique to their individual personality.

• Nell 
• Lee 
• Elle 
• Ellie 
• LeeLee
• Nenny

Nellie Name Details

Style: Traditional

Gender: Nellie is traditionally considered to be a girls name.

Pronunciation: NEHL-ee

Syllables: Two

Alternative Spelling for Nellie

• Nelly 
• Nelli
• Neleigh

Nellie Name Popularity

Throughout the 1920s, Nellie was a top 100 baby name. It remained on the list of the top 1,000 baby names for girls in the United States until 1979. In 2019, it made a comeback, and as of 2020, it ranks at number 837, according to the Social Security Administration.

Related Names for Nellie

• Ellen 
• Helen 
• Eleanor 
• Danielle 
• Penelope 
• Janelle 
• Petronella

Great Middle Names for Nellie and Their Meanings

• Mae (pearl)
• Anne (grace)
• Ruth (compassionate friend)
• Rose (flower)
• Louise (renowned warrior)
• Blossom (to bloom)
• Odette (wealthy)
• Sage (wise)
• Pearl (smooth round bead)

Famous People Named Nellie

• Nellie Bly (journalist)
• Nellie Kim (gymnast)
• Nellie Marie Burns (actor and poet)
• Nellie McKay (singer and actress)
• Nellie George Stearns (artist)

Nellie in Popular Culture

• Nellie(character from the “Little House on the Prairie” books and TV series)
• Nellie Bertram (character from the TV show “The Office”)
• Nellie Forbush (character from the musical “South Pacific”)
• Nellie O'Malley (doll and character from the American Girl collection)
• Nellie(character in the animated movie “An American Tail: The Mystery of the Night Monster”)

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Anicka S/Shutterstock.com.