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Baby names

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

Original poster

Love Nell, hate Nellie

36 replies

rromy · 14/07/2025 15:47

Love Nell for baby due in a few months. Not interested in any longer forms. Is the nickname/pet name Nellie inevitable? I really dislike it 😫

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YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME · 14/07/2025 19:16

I knew a Nell, just died this January, aged 99, full name Ellen Amy May, always called Nell, never Nellie. No idea why Nell and not Ellen, but Nell suited her, a lovely lady with a kind heart.

Firsttimebabymummy · 14/07/2025 19:04

Moreteaandchocolate · 14/07/2025 16:09

I don’t think it’s inevitable - you can mostly control it when she’s little and I think Nell sounds cooler than Nellie to a teen so is likely to stick.

Agree. I think it'd be fine! Really like Nell.

DappledThings · 14/07/2025 18:41

There's a girl in DD's who is only ever known as Penelope or Nell. Never heard her called Nellie. But literally every name in the world can and will be shortened or made into a different pet name at some point. Some will stick, some won't. Your child might like a variant you don't like and vice versa.

Basically don't worry about it. If you like Nell then use it.

Original poster
rromy · 14/07/2025 17:11

@Shesellsseashellsnotinmystreet Your Nell is beautiful!

OP posts:
pettingzoo · 14/07/2025 16:40

I have a friend whose daughter (now about 14) is called Nell. I have never heard her called anything other than Nell by family and friends!

I think you can control a lot of it as parents. My son has always been called by the abbreviated version of his name. Therefore that is what everyone calls him and what he is known as.

tinyspiny · 14/07/2025 16:40

Not inevitable at all , you need to just stand firm . I have a name with a shortening that I can’t stand and I never get called it . I agree with you that Nell is lovely and Nellie is not

CarpetKnees · 14/07/2025 16:35

If I was very opposed to 'Nellie' then there is no way I would use Nell.

chichiwaaa · 14/07/2025 16:20

My son is 6 and, similarly, has a name that can be elongated and I don’t like it. He’s never called it. I’ve only ever called him by his own name and I’ve found people tend to follow suit. All my family / friends know I don’t like the longer version. Even since he’s started school no one elongates it. Obv that might change in future but so far it’s not been an issue!

Shesellsseashellsnotinmystreet · 14/07/2025 16:11

My favourite ddog is Nell. Never gets anything else!!
Pic...

Love Nell, hate Nellie
Moreteaandchocolate · 14/07/2025 16:09

I don’t think it’s inevitable - you can mostly control it when she’s little and I think Nell sounds cooler than Nellie to a teen so is likely to stick.

MinPinSins · 14/07/2025 15:58

It's not inevitable, but likely enough that I wouldn't use it if you hate it!