Nell

Meaning: Possibly the other Aenor
Origin: Occitan — Short form of Eleanor

Meaning: Uncertain; possibly shining light or torch
Origin: Greek — Short form of Ellen or Helen

Girl's name · #1628 in the US (2025) · Comeback

Popularity over time

Nell was #144 in 1886, slipped to #6743 by 2008, and has climbed back to #1628 today. About 28,000 girls have carried it since 1880. In all that time it has never once missed a year of the national records.

Across the states

See where Nell is more common.

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 12 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Around the world

See how Nell ranks in other countries and regions.

#115 in Ireland (2025) · #242 in Belgium (2025) · #290 in N. Ireland (2025) · #318 in Poland (2025) · #359 in Scotland (2025) · #408 in England & Wales (2025) · #699 in Sweden (2025) · #806 in France (2025) · #874 in Switzerland (2025) · #1,713 in Austria (2025) · #2,131 in Canada (2025) · #10,239 in Ecuador (2006).

Famous Nells

Nell Gwyn — English royal mistress and actress (1650–1687)
Nell Fisher — British and New Zealand actress (born 2011)
Nell Tiger Free — English actress (born 1999)
Nell Carter — American singer and actress (1948–2003)
Nell Hudson — British actress (born 1990)

In stories & tradition

Nell Mangel — Fictional character from Neighbours
Nell Trent — Fictional character in The Old Curiosity Shop
Nell^fr — The Child of the Cavern (book)

What Nells become

Among 142 notable people named Nell:

Entertainers appear 2.36× more often than among typical names — e.g. Nell Tiger Free, English actress (born 1999).

Similar names: Nellie · Georgie · Nella · Zella · Nola · Ollie

Browse more girl names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

About · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service