The name Nelly is a boy's name of English origin.

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Naming a child Cornelius or Nelson feels increasingly ahead of the curve in today's vintage name-loving climate. But keep Nelly for a nickname (even the rap star was christened Cornell). 

Nelly

English

The name Nelly peaked for boys at #8632 in 2021. Nelly is occasionally used for girls in 2025.

The name Nelly is a girl's name of English origin meaning "light".

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Nelly or Nellie is an adorable nickname name that can be short for a wide range of more formal appellations or that can stand on its own, and is typical of the vintage nickname genre that is growing in popularity. While Nelly can be used for several different names, from Helen to Eleanor to Cornelia, it has stood on its own for more than a century. It was one of the most popular names – spelled as Nellie – in the U.S. at the end of the 1800s.
<br/><br/>The musician known as DJ Fatboy Slim named his little girl Nelly.

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England

The name Nelly peaked for girls at #625 in 1882. The name is most popular in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. Nelly is occasionally used for boys in 2025.

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