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Nell

Girl · Greek · Short name

Meaning
Shining light, sun ray
Pronunciation
NEL
Origin
Greek

Diminutive of Eleanor or Helen, from Greek 'helenē' meaning light.

Popularity
Rare in United States (2023)

Popularity: Behind the Name, 2023

VintageClassicSoft and gentle

Languages in use: Greek, English

Commonly used in: United States, United Kingdom

Alternate spellings

  • NelleEnglish

    Variant with final e.

Cultural associations

People who share this name. These are context, not the origin of the name.

  • Nell Gwyn

    1650–1687

    English actress and long-time mistress of King Charles II.

    Reference

Similar names

Matched on shared origin, language, or verified meaning themes. Spelling similarity alone is not treated as a linguistic relationship.

Lena

LAY-nuh

Girl · Greek

Meaning: Light, sun ray, torch

Full profile

Thea

THEE-uh

Girl · Greek

Meaning: Gift of God, goddess

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Helen

HEL-en

Girl · Greek

Meaning: Light, torch, shining one

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Nellie

NEL-ee

Girl · Greek

Meaning: Shining light, horn, sun ray

Full profile

Sources for this record

Behind the Name, Greek Name Entries (2024). Last verified 2025-01-15.

How Lucky Stork verifies name data →