What is Nell short for?
Nell is the medieval short form of Eleanor, Helen and Ellen, and it shortens Penelope and Leonora too. It is used on its own in the UK today. Here are the 5 full names behind Nell, each with its meaning and origin.
5 full names
Eleanor
Old French / Greek
Bright, shining one
GirlHistoricalLiterary
Penelope
Greek
Weaver
GirlLiteraryMythological
Leonora
Spanish / Germanic
Lion-hearted
GirlHistorical
Helen
Ellen
Quick questions
What is Nell short for?
Nell is short for Eleanor, Helen, Ellen, Penelope or Leonora. Nell is the medieval short form of Eleanor, Helen and Ellen, and it shortens Penelope and Leonora too. It is used on its own in the UK today.
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