Nell

Nell, once a nickname for Helen, Ellen, or Eleanor, is a sweet old-fashioned charmer that is fashionably used today in its own right. While Nell is perfectly in tune with contemporary vintage name style, it hasn't taken off the way some of its sisters have and so maintains an air of distinction. Use Nell or Nellie as a short for any name from Eleanor to Penelope or just name her Nell.

Nell was the pet name FDR called his wife Eleanor (along with Babs), the famous Little Nell in Dickens' Old Curiosity Shop was Elinor, and the infamous mistress of Charles II, Nell Gwynne, was born Eleanor as well.

Nell was the belle of the ball in the Gay Nineties, but has been off the charts since 1956. It's currently popular in France though, ranking at Number 144.

Jodie Foster played the title character of the 1994 movie Nell, and Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton named their daughter Nell, keeping the family tradition of names related to Helen.

Gender

Girl

Meaning

bright, shining one

Origin

English, diminutive of Helen, Eleanor, et al

Numerology

N is for neatness, your orderly way.

E is for easy going, no ruffles here.

L is for little, the little things you do.

L is for loyalty, that you show.

Lucky

Nell lucky number is 7.

The detectives of numerology, 7 is known for its investigative abilities and analytical skills. Astrologically, the number 7 can be thought of as a blend of Virgo and Scorpio energy: 7 is extremely detail-oriented, but is driven by inner-wisdom as opposed to tangible realities.

Famous People Named Nell

• Eleanor "Nell" Gwyn English actress and mistress
• Laura Elizabeth "Little Nell" Campbell Australian actress and singer
• Nell Ruth Carter American singer and actress
• Nell Rose Hudson British actress
• Nell Tiger Free English actress and singer

Nell in Pop Culture

• Nell Trent aka Little Nell main character in Charles Dickens' "The Old Curiosity Shop"
• Nell Kellty main character in movie "Nell"
• Nell Bedworth character in movie "It's a Boy Girl Thing"
• Nell Jones character on TV's "NCIS: Los Angeles"
• Nell Turbody character on TV's "Rescue Me"