I’m not usually a fan of surname names for girls (though I quite like [name]Delaney[/name], [name]Ellery[/name], and [name]Afton[/name], and can get behind some others).
I was wondering though what others think of Nelligan.
I know Nameberry has kind of endorsed [name]Madigan[/name] as an updated [name]Madison[/name]/[name]Madelyn[/name], and [name]Finnegan[/name] is rising for boys.
Two parts of my somewhat positive feelings: This is the surname of someone I really respect, and I love the nn [name]Nell[/name].
I haven’t made up my own mind about how I really feel though, so feel free to be totally honest.
I don’t think there’s much chance I’ll ever use it, but I’m wondering if it’s worth suggesting to other people.
I think it could work, it has the option of [name]Nell[/name] being a nickname. I would just make sure that the person you are honoring doesn’t mind. It also might be better as a middle, but I don’t find it horribly awful.
I don’t care for it at all. Some last names were not meant to be used as first names and that is one of them [name]IMO[/name]. It reminds me of he word mulligan. The only good thing is the NN [name]Nelly[/name] or [name]Nell[/name].
It’s an uncommon Irish surname, and in [name]Ireland[/name] it’s spelled Neligan (one L).
To me it doesn’t have the beautiful sound or flow of easily-adapted surnames ([name]Delaney[/name] and [name]Mackenzie[/name], for example). It sounds clunky and would be especially hard for a young girl to wear. If you wish to honor your friends, that’s marvelous, but I would keep thinking of ways to do so.
@uselesskitty - I hear the overlap with mulligan too. I’m not sure how widely used/known that term is though? And while it’s not the most positive meaning, it’s not the worst, and also, it’s not the same word. I know what you mean about last names as first names, but think I might put this one in a different category. Thanks!
@catloverd - yeah, I hear you. I’d be sure to check if I did use it, but like I said I doubt I would. Middle name territory might be better, yeah.
Maybe I’d limit my suggesting of it to people who have it as a family name. I think if it’s a name you have in your family, it’s a pretty awesome one! I think family or no, I would love to meet one!
I’m not very creative but if I wrote I’d love to use it as a character. Writers, feel free to use it!
@blade - thanks, knew that it was an Irish surname, didn’t know it was more often spelled with one L there. What is it you find clunky, the hard g? I know what you mean, but, [name]Morgan[/name] has made its way into fair usage, as did [name]Megan[/name], and [name]Regan[/name] and [name]Teagan[/name] with lower frequency. [name]Logan[/name] has made it for boys, and is getting occasional girl usage. I’m curious (not sarcastic) what makes one clunky name work better than others? I agree it’s clunkier than [name]Delaney[/name] or [name]Mackenzie[/name], but I don’t know that makes it unwearable. [name]Margaret[/name] is a clunky name, but it’s great. Anyway, I guess it’s just taste, but if you have a specific thought, let me know!
It doesn’t sound pretty to me, or feminine, but I think using just [name]Nell[/name] would honor the person just the same, if you explained it to them.
@cristinamariane - Yeah, I can agree it doesn’t sound distinctly feminine since it’s a surname. I like [name]Nell[/name] on its own OK but would prefer something lengthier - have considered [name]Helena[/name] in the past or just [name]Nella[/name]. Might focus on that and smile at the connection to the person I have in mind. Again, not a top choice for me anyway. [name]Just[/name] sort of intrigued by it.
@southern.maple - I’m not sure why, but I think that’s the best way to summarize the problems - it’s a little too specific. That I get. Wish it was a family name for me though : D.