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Baby names

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

Original poster

nicks for Helen

52 replies

beet2 · 13/12/2014 12:38

I'm thinking about calling my baby Helen, but I'm not sure about possible nick names. Can you tell me what your (UK) gut reactions are to Nellie/Nelly (elephant?), Nell, Hen, Henny, Len (chalet school?), Lenny (55-year old male casino entertainer?), Elle...

I know Hattie is usually associated with Harriet or Henrietta, but would it be strange to use it for Helen?

Which nick do you think sounds most "old aristocracy", or too much so?

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RJnomore · 13/12/2014 12:49

Hen is a general term for women in south west Scotland. Or alternatively the tall gangly son in th broons. Avoid, in case she moves here.

My gran was Nellie.

ChickenMe · 13/12/2014 12:47

Lenny is cute! Hen is cute too! I've only heard Helly or Hels for Helen. Nell/y is fairly well known as a "granny chic" name. I don't think of the elephant in relation to Nelly Furtado for instance but apparently she was named after gymnast Nelli Kim.