Nellie
Girl name · 89 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Nellie: 89 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 16 births in 2024.
A diminutive of Helen, Ellen, or Eleanor, Nellie ultimately derives from the Greek Helenē, meaning ‘torch’ or ‘bright’ – a fitting image for its most famous bearers. Pioneering journalist Nellie Bly (born Elizabeth Cochran) circled the globe in 72 days, while Canadian suffragist Nellie McClung fought tirelessly for women’s rights. The Australian soprano Nellie Melba lent her name to the dessert Peach Melba, though there is no town called simply Nellie. As a pet form that once ranked among Scotland’s top girls’ names, Nellie fell out of fashion mid-20th century but has recently enjoyed a gentle revival, loved for its vintage charm and friendly, no-nonsense feel.
Girl 10 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 202416 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #32410 babies
- Total births
- 89since 2015
- 5-year trend
- ▲ 107%vs prior 5y