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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Anna or Nell

31 replies

lilia2 · 28/02/2011 21:51

Which name for baby girl? What do you think about Nell as an older person? I also thought about Nadia, Helena and Nina.

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LemoryMane · 05/06/2011 11:31

You have great taste - all lovely names.

I love Nina.

Nell is gorgeous, but do think it is nice as a nn for a 'proper' name, such as Helena or Penelope.

Anna is a classic.

I like Nadia, too.

Italiangreyhound · 05/06/2011 01:42

I love Nell but think it is better as a nick name for Helena.

ceeceeanne · 04/06/2011 23:16

Ellie is v popular and dont think they get smelly ellie and ellie the elephant all the time! Nell/Nelly/Nella all lovely

Bubbaluv · 02/03/2011 00:25

Oh yes, I had forgotten Nelly the Elephant. If you can cope with the Smelly Nelly thing then only go for Nell if your family are all very slim and there's no chance that she'll end up as the chubby little one sobbing in class every time they sing Nelly the Elephant.
Anyway, still think Anna is much nicer. Nell sounds like she should be changing chamber pots to me or milking a cow. Sorry! Blush

birdofthenorth · 01/03/2011 23:35

Ooh love both! Nell clinches it I think

Busspuzzle · 01/03/2011 18:24

Anna only like nell as nn

Sarsaparilllla · 01/03/2011 16:29

I love the name Nell, lovely

Anna to me is just 'meh' boring

medoitmama · 01/03/2011 15:46

Didn't think of Smelly Nelly, just Nelly the elephant! Not very flattering. Sorry.

Janus · 01/03/2011 14:51

Just to add that Nell is on our shortlist for a girl so definitely get a vote for it from me!
I have 3 girls and I suppose their names could rhyme, the worst being Lottie and if she gets acne and is 'spotty Lottie' she may never forgive me !! but i'm sure the name calling is quite rare, I can't remember calling anyone a name when I was kid, or am I being naive??

MamaLazarou · 01/03/2011 14:23

Nell, definitely. It's such a tasteful, sophisticated name. I love it.

Anna is just a bit 'beige' for me.

Niecie · 01/03/2011 13:04

I'm afraid Nell makes me think of the Smelly Nelly taunt or even you big Nelly which was popular when I was at school (I am very old though!). It strikes me as being a bit of a peasant name too but then I might be forced to watch too much Horrible Histories.

Anna is lovely though. It is also sophisticated and grown up yet OK for a small child.

kreecherlivesupstairs · 01/03/2011 13:00

Nell as a NN for Ellen, Anna because it is beautiful.

Articulate · 01/03/2011 13:00

Anella/Annella...then you can incorporate both! You can also use Nell as a nn.

revoltingrhymes · 01/03/2011 12:49

Nell for me. Love it!

5DollarShake · 01/03/2011 11:28

Oh, I find Anna so meh! Nell is a great name - she may well get teased a bit while young, but I totally see an adult Nell as very chic and stylish. I would use it as a nn rather than a given name.

randomimposter · 01/03/2011 10:54

I like both. LOVE Nell as a NN for Eleanor or Helena.

(Don't like Nadia or Nina sorry).

coraltoes · 01/03/2011 10:41

sadly she will always be Smelly Nelly at school...seriously, kids love a smelly rhyme. Shame, as cute name!

Copper · 01/03/2011 08:45

Anna - lovely name, balanced, elegant, strong, doesn't go out of fashion, doesn't rhyme with smell!

dan1981 · 01/03/2011 08:43

Anna is a good name, sweet for when they are little but also just as nice as an adult...IMO!

Bubbaluv · 01/03/2011 07:42

I knew an Anella - quite pretty?
I much prefer Anna - Nell is a Nickname and rhymes with smell (as any 8yo could tell you!) Wink
I think Helena is the prettiest of all you options though - elegant and strong.

kviddy · 01/03/2011 07:32

How about Nella?

ValiumSingleton · 28/02/2011 23:03

Yes Penelope and Eleanor are both lovely too. I really don't like just Nell though. What's your name? Nell. hmmm. Maybe I'm over analysing.

NotAnotherNewNappy · 28/02/2011 23:01

Nell is cute and quirky, but as a nn (e.g. for Helena, Penelope or Eleanor - sp?) but not as a full name.

ValiumSingleton · 28/02/2011 22:57

Anna
Agree with montylady

muminthemiddle · 28/02/2011 22:45

I perfer Anna.