Nell

Meaning: The other Aenor
Origin: Variant of Eleanor · From Latin alia; the earlier root has the sense riches and fame (from Old Provencal/Latin, ultimately Germanic; Arabic light also suggested)

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.

#116 in Ireland (2025) · #251 in Belgium (2025) · #318 in Poland (2025) · #321 in N. Ireland (2025) · #380 in Scotland (2025) · #411 in England & Wales (2025) · #699 in Sweden (2025) · #806 in France (2025) · #874 in Switzerland (2025) · #1,713 in Austria (2025) · #2,942 in Canada (2024).

Famous Nells

Nell Gwyn — Royal mistress (1650–1687)
Nell Carter — American actress and singer (1948–2003)
Nell Tiger Free — English actress
Nell Fisher — British-New Zealand actress
Nell Hudson — British actress

In stories & tradition

Nell Mangel — Neighbours (TV series)
Nell Trent — The Old Curiosity Shop (book)
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.

Similar names: Nellie · Ollie · Nella · Tillie · May · Lula

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

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