Bright, shining light or horn
Nelly originated as a diminutive for names such as Helen, Eleanor, or Cornelia. It carries the meanings of 'shining light' from its Greek roots or 'horn' from its Latin roots. While once a popular standalone choice in the late 19th century, it is now often seen as a vintage nickname-name.
Less common today
Nelly isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #1,207 in 2007.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Nobel Prize-winning Swedish-German poet and playwright
Grammy Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter
The narrator and housekeeper in Wuthering Heights · Wuthering Heights
Pioneering American investigative journalist who traveled around the world
