What is Nell short for?

Nell is short for Eleanor, Penelope, Helena, Helen and Cornelia. In 2025, 128 girls in the United States were given Nell as their full name, with nothing longer behind it, according to Social Security records.

The names behind Nell

Each count is the number of children given that name in the United States in 2025, from US Social Security records. A name given to fewer than five children in a year is left out of the published file.

Eleanor Greek origin

Nell from Eleanor: vintage elegance.

7,649 girls and 5 boys named Eleanor in 2025

All 6 short forms of Eleanor →

Penelope Greek origin

Nell from Penelope: a traditional short form shared with Eleanor.

6,225 girls named Penelope in 2025

All 4 short forms of Penelope →

Helena Greek origin

Nell from Helena: traditional pet form.

841 girls named Helena in 2025

All 2 short forms of Helena →