Nell
Pronunciation: [ n-EHL ]
Does Nell flow with your last name?
A distinctive boy name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
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Browse nicknames →Historical Record
Nell first appeared in US Social Security records in 1977.
Over 6 babies have been named Nell in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Nell is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #19,949 for boy names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Popularity Rank
- #19,949
- Total SSA Count
- 6
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Nell is also used as a girl name, ranked #1460.
View Nell as a girl name →Similar Names
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German origin
"small, little"
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Old High German origin
"wealth, fortune, prosperity"
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Old Norse origin
"flat piece, thin layer"
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Old French origin
"flower settlement"
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Irish Gaelic origin
"son of the horse lord"
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Old English origin
"council friend"
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Old English origin
"stony forest"
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Save Your Name Card
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nell
Is Nell a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Nell?
How popular is the name Nell?
Is Nell a common or rare name?
What boy names are similar to Nell?
Are there other spellings for Nell?
About the Name Nell
Nell is a boy name .
Is Nell a boy or girl name? Nell is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #19,949 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,460. Nell is more commonly used as a girl name.
Nell is currently ranked #19,949 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
Alternative spellings of Nell include Nelson . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
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Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis