So I was looking through some baby data this morning and I noticed that there were only 32 babies named [name]Nell[/name] last year. I looked it up because it’s dh’s favorite girl name. I knew it wasn’t top 1000 but I had no idea that it was so rarely used. I guess it’s seen as more of a nickname though it was in the top 1000 from the 1880s to the 1950s.
Yeah, I rarely hear [name]Nell[/name]. [name]Nellie[/name], kinda more often. But it is sort of an old fashioned name, so I kind of get it.
It is all nickname to me, same with [name]Nelly[/name]. I don’t care for it as a first name. It makes me think of “Whoa [name]Nelly[/name]!”
I have never met a [name]Nell[/name]. I agree with the Whoa [name]Nelly[/name] thing, but I still love [name]Nellie[/name]. I think it is very cute. I think it is a huge plus that so very few other little kids have the name. I would say, go for it!
[name]Do[/name] you think that it could have to do with the movie? (Which btw was beautiful!)
[name]Nell[/name] is beautiful, I always figured it could also be a great nn for [name]Noelle[/name].
Not so surprising for a [name]Brit[/name], I think. The current trend for vintage names & nicknames here hasn’t quite caught on in the US yet. [name]Nell[/name] is #395 over here, higher than both [name]Nelly[/name] and [name]Nellie[/name]. Same goes for [name]Poppy[/name] (#14), [name]Maisie[/name] (#22), [name]Florence[/name] (#43), [name]Lottie[/name] (#138), [name]Georgina[/name] (#157), [name]Alfie[/name] (#4), [name]Archie[/name] (#24), [name]Freddie[/name] (#42), [name]Louie[/name] (#74), [name]Teddy[/name] (#156) etc… none of which are in the US top 1000.
Sorry for the outuburst of name nerdiness 
I just adore vintage names and [name]Nell[/name] is really lovely! 
I’ve always liked the name [name]Nell[/name], and the movie is part of the reason. I think it can stand on it’s own.
I’d never though of using it as a nickname for [name]Noelle[/name]! That’s a great idea.
I’ve never met a [name]Nell[/name] in my life, so I guess I’m actually surprised that there were 32 babies given the name last year! It is sweet though. I do have [name]Nella[/name] on my list, another option that may appeal to you.
I think [name]Nell[/name] is so unpopular because it’s more of a nickname choice, furthermore I know that in the UK [name]Nell[/name] isn’t really considered a great name due to the nelly the elephant associations. I’m not keen on [name]Nell[/name] as a name however the fact that the name is so well known but rare is a great factor, but it just isn’t my thing.
Wow, I never realised these names didn’t even feature in the US top 1000! [name]Georgina[/name] and [name]Poppy[/name] especially - the number of girls I know called [name]Georgina[/name] or [name]Poppy[/name]…isn’t it strange how different name data can be across the pond? (Sorry for the hijack post - I really like [name]Nell[/name]; it reminds me of [name]Nell[/name] [name]Gwyn[/name] (whose actual name was [name]Eleanor[/name], which I did not know until just now), the actress mistress of [name]King[/name] [name]Charles[/name] II. So not that great a reference, but I still like it). Anyway, good luck!
It’s cute! I like it best as a nickname for [name]Eleanor[/name].
Does anyone else use “nervous [name]Nellie[/name]” to describe someone who’s antsy and anxious?
I love [name]Nell[/name], ever since seeing the movie, the name has struck me as lovely. It’s kind of like [name]Meg[/name] or [name]Kate[/name]…nicknamey for sure, but with plenty of gravitas to stand on its own.
I love the name [name]Nell[/name] - and actually know one of the few Americans who used the name! Weird, I would have thought it more popular.
I like [name]Nell[/name]! another long form might Be [name]Annelle[/name] (I know a girl with this name - so lovely)
@southern.maple, I say “Nervous [name]Nellie[/name]” because I am one. I am always early for everything, especially flights. [name]Lord[/name] help anyone who has to travel with me.
It does surprise me that [name]Nell[/name] is so rare, especially when you look at what’s hanging out near the end of the top 1000. [name]Nell[/name] has an entirely different feel to me than [name]Nellie[/name]. I want to describe it as “humbly sophisticated” if that makes any sense.