Nelly

Nelly is a female first name that is often used as a short form of names like Cornelia and Petronella. Additionally, it has its roots in a medieval English babbling form that originated from the child language of Eleonore and Helena.

What does the name Nelly mean?

The name Nelly is considered a short form for several first names, particularly Cornelia and Petronella. Cornelia is derived from the Roman name Cornelius and metaphorically means 'the Horned' or 'the one descended from the Cornelii,' based on the Latin word cornū, which means 'horn.' Petronella comes from Petronius and means 'the little one from the Petronii,' with origins in Etruscan and Latin, derived from the terms petrō or petronis for 'the vagabond' or 'the rustic.' Eleonore has unclear origins, with meanings ranging from 'the other Aénor' to 'God is my light.' Helena, a variant of Helene, means 'the shining one' or 'the beautiful one,' with Greek roots derived from the terms helénē (ἑλένη) and hēlios (ἥλιος). In English-speaking regions, Nelly is also seen as a short form of Elisabeth, and there are numerous variants such as Nell, Nelle, Nelli, Nellie, and others.

Where does the name Nelly come from?

The name Nelly has ancient Germanic and Latin roots and means 'the one descended from the Cornelii.' It originates from Cornelia (cornū = horn), Petronella (petrō/petronis = vagabond, rustic), Eleonore (alja = other, foreign or ali = other, foreign), and Helena (helénē = torch, hēlios = sun). Nelly can be found in various languages such as Old English, Anglo-Saxon, and English.

How do you pronounce Nelly?

The pronunciation of Nelly is clear and two-syllable: In the German language, the name is usually pronounced as 'Nel-ly' [ˈnɛli]. The doubling of the 'l' creates a pleasant rhythm, while the bright ending syllable gives the name a certain lightness. Nelly is often perceived as lively and friendly, radiating modernity and simplicity.

When is the name day of Nelly?

The name day for Nelly is celebrated on the following days: March 31, May 31, August 18, and September 16.

Popularity

Nelly was a common female first name in Germany for many years. From the early ranking data until the post-war period, Nelly was present in the name lists and belonged to the established, though not leading, first names. In the 1930s and 1940s, Nelly experienced its first peak, reaching its best rank in 1935 at position 64. In the following years, the name remained relatively stable. From the second half of the 20th century onward, it has seen fluctuations in popularity.

Nicknames & pet names

Belly / Dynell / Elly / Nel / Nelja / Nelka / Nelki / Nell / Nella / Nellabella / Nellachen / Nellchen / Nelle / Nellej / Nellepop / Nellitschka / Nello / Nellorina / Nells / Nellson / Nellsy / Nellus / Nellybelly / Nellychen / Nellyka / Nellyoschka / Nelnel / Nelucha / Nelunia / Nenne / Nunia / Nölly / Schnelly / Yllen

Similar first names

Famous people

• Nelly (singer)
• Nelly Aginian (chess player from Armenia)
• Nelly Akopian-Tamarina (Russian pianist)
• Nelly Arcan (Canadian writer)
• Nelly Baumann (model and wife of Manfred Baumann)
• Nelly Baylon (actress from the Philippines)
• Nelly Ben-Or (musician from America)
• Nelly Borgeaud (Swiss actress)
• Nelly Bromley (singer from England)
• Nelly Byl (Belgian composer)
• Nelly Corradi (Italian actress)
• Nelly Drell (artist from Estonia)
• Nelly Erichsen (British artist)
• Nelly Fonseca (Peruvian poet)
• Nelly Frijda (Dutch actress)
• Nelly Furtado (singer)
• Nelly Greisen (American musician)
• Nelly Kaplan (Argentinian film director)
• Nelly Korda (American golfer)
• Nelly Lainez (actress from Argentina)