Nell
How to say it: NEL · /ˈnɛl/
Medieval English diminutive of Eleanor and Helen, meaning 'light' - vintage revival favorite.
Nell was the 1,278th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 128 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1880s, its births are up 2.0-fold in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #1,016 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #1,278 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 128 |
| Share of births | 1 in 25,901 |
| Peak decade | 1880s |
| Change over 10 years | ×2.0 |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #1,016 |
| In France, 2025 | #667 among girls’ names, 50 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Long ago Nell reached its high in the 1880s. Far below that high now, the next few years should bring growth.
What goes with it
Soft and gentle with a literary air, Nell stays brief and warm. Mae and Etta share its style.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Nell is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Greek.
In France: #667 for girls in 2025.
England and Wales: #411. Ireland: #116.
Famous people named Nell
- Nell Gwyn (1650–1687)Royal mistress
- Nell Tiger Free (born 1999)English actress
- Nell Carter (1948–2003)American actress and singer
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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