Nellie

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Brightness; Shining Light

Background: The name Nellie originates as a diminutive of Helen, which is derived from the Greek word 'helene,' meaning 'torch' or 'corposant.' In Latin, it is often associated with the meaning 'shining light' or 'brightness.'

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#261
Total births
152,715
Most popular decade
1910s (92,904 births)
10-year trend
↑ Rising (+781 ranks)
Years in Top 100
46
First recorded year
1880

Gender usage

0.4% male 99.6% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1880
First year births
6
First year rank
#809
Peak year
1924
Peak year births
19
Peak rank
#1,839
Most recent year
1947
Recent year births
6
Recent rank
#3,372

Female

First year
1880
First year births
995
First year rank
#18
Peak year
1918
Peak year births
4,048
Peak rank
#65
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
591
Recent rank
#520

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

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