Nelly is a moderately popular girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #432 in 2024 with 99 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2019 with 211 births ranking #234. In 2024, approximately 1 in every 2,606 girls born was named Nelly. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Nelly is a lively variant of Nellie with the same cosy vintage energy. Its deeper meaning depends on the longer name family behind it, often Eleanor or Helen-based.
This spelling has been used for a long time in both affectionate and formal contexts. It keeps the antique charm of Nellie with a slightly brisker modern look.