Bright, shining light or stone
Nel is a diminutive form often derived from names like Eleanor, Helen, or Cornelia. It carries the meanings associated with its parent names, ranging from 'bright one' to 'horn'. In modern usage, it stands alone as a minimalist, vintage-inspired choice.
Less common today
Nel isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #9,638 in 2013.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Central character in Toni Morrison's novel Sula · Sula
Dutch Olympic gold medalist swimmer
