Nell

[custard]

I just found this on the Nameberry boards. I really like it on it's own. Do you think Nell works as a name in it's own right, or just as a nickname for a longer name?

[whirligig]

I think it is quite cool but I would probably use Nella because it is easier to find middle names that flow with it.

[sosbanfach92]

I think Nell is an adorable nickname that would actually age very well - a baby Nell could easily become a 15 year old Nell, a 45 year old Nell or an 80 year old Nell. I do, however, think it's a little brief sounding to be somebody's full name (though I'm not sure why? Plenty of other one syllable names sound perfectly complete to me). How about Eleanor, Elena, Helena or any other member of that family? Nell is a nickname that could easily come from any of those names and I must admit that I really do love all the names in that grouping . I have also met a little girl who goes affectionately by Nell/Nellie though her full name is Natalie.
Good luck

[sheflieswithherownwings]

If Elle can work then I don't see why Nell(e) can't - it does seem more complete with the 'e' on the end. I'm not really a fan of nicknames as first names, so if you were contemplating Nellie, I would definitely have said no because for me it is the 'ee' sound that makes names sound really childish.

I would prefer to see Penelope nn Nelle to be honest!

[r_j]

I like Nell, and I like it on its own. Sometimes it's darn refreshing to hear a nice, clean, pretty, (and short) name.
It' seems complete to me, but it's subjective.

[jeska]

I like Nell, and I like it on its own. Sometimes it's darn refreshing to hear a nice, clean, pretty, (and short) name.
It' seems complete to me, but it's subjective.

I absolutely agree.

I love Nell and dislike Penelope immensely.

[custard]

I do really like Nell.... I also like Penelope too. I never really thought of Nell as a nickname for Penelope, but it's a definite contender.

I'd just worry if I used Nell in the future all she'd hear is "Nell... what's that short for?"

Could Nell work as a nickname for Lenora?

[flick]

I LOVE Nell (can't use it), but I really prefer it as a nickname. It feels too short and like a nickname as a full name. I like Lenora NN Nell is perfectly usable.

[ninanoo]

Lana's aunt that raises her in Smallville is Nell, nothing more then just Nell. So i think its fine.

[jojocastles]

I knew a girl named nell in college, I think it is very pretty! She had siblings named Billie (girl), Mia (girl) and Finn (boy), I think they're all nice short names!

Names don't have to be long or complicated!