Nell

What does the baby name Nell mean? Learn about what Nell means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Nell - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Nell
N-E-L-L, is a 4-letter male given name.
Meaning of Nell
Champion.
Origin of Nell
The name 'Nell' has its origins as a diminutive form of the name 'Eleanor'. 'Eleanor' is derived from the Provencal name 'Alienor', which itself is a variant of the Greek name 'Helenē'. 'Helenē' means 'light' or 'torch', and it was a popular name in ancient Greece.
Celtic Names
Irish Names
Popularity of Nell
The name 'Nell' has experienced varying levels of popularity throughout history. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a relatively common name for girls in English-speaking countries. However, its popularity declined in the mid-20th century and it became less frequently used.
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Etymology of Nell

The etymology of 'Nell' can be traced back to the name 'Eleanor'. 'Eleanor' is a combination of the Old French elements 'alain', meaning 'other' or 'foreign', and 'aisné', meaning 'elder' or 'first-born'. Therefore, the name 'Eleanor' can be interpreted as 'the other Aenor' or 'the foreign elder'.

Cultural Significance of Nell

The name 'Nell' does not possess any specific cultural significance. However, as a diminutive form of 'Eleanor', it carries associations with historical figures such as Eleanor of Aquitaine and Eleanor Roosevelt. These women were known for their intelligence, strength, and influence, which may contribute to the name's perceived qualities.