Nel

Nel Origin and Meaning

The name Nel is a girl's name.

Nel is a concise, charming feminine name with multiple origins. It can be a diminutive of names like Eleanor, Helen, Penelope, or Cornelia, giving it versatile roots across different cultures. In Welsh traditions, Nel means "shining light," while in Scandinavian contexts, it relates to "champion" or "horn." This short but sweet name has an appealing simplicity that works well internationally. Nel gained some recognition through literary characters and has a vintage charm that appeals to modern parents seeking brief, distinctive names. Its simplicity allows it to pair well with longer surnames and gives it a friendly, approachable quality rarely found in more elaborate names.

Popularity of the name Nel

• 836 England 2021
• 62 Poland 2024

Famous People Named Nel

• Petronella "Nel" Büch Dutch sprinter
• Petronella Gerardina "Nel" Roos Lodder, Dutch Olympic discus thrower
• Nelly Anna "Nel" Benschop Dutch poet
• Petronella Johanna Maria "Nel" Bos Dutch swimmer
• Petronella "Nel" Burgerhof Dutch gymnast
• Nel De Crits Dutch cyclist
• Pieternella "Nel" Fritz Dutch gymnast
• Petronella Frederika Cornelia "Nel" Garritsen Dutch swimmer
• Neeltje Jannetje "Nel" Karelse Dutch long jumper
• Nelle Isabel "Nel" Law Australian artist and poet
• Nel Noddings American feminist and academic
• Petronella Phillemina Johanna "Nel" van Randwijk Dutch gymnast
• Petronella "Nel" van Vliet Dutch swimmer
• Neeltje "Nel" Wambach Dutch gymnast
• Petronella Veronica Maria "Nel" Zwier Dutch high jumper

The name Nel in Pop Culture

• Nel Character in “Fire Emblem: Engage”