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Baby names

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Original poster

Longer name for Nell

114 replies

Firebird83 · 03/01/2026 21:26

I like the name Nell but would like it to be short for a longer name. Which do you prefer out of Helena and Eleanor? Middle name would be Katherine or Louisa. Thanks!

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CaseClosedWineOpened · 03/01/2026 22:14

I like Nella

Out of your preferred options - Helena

She might choose to use her full name when older. My daughter has a similar 3 syllable name that we used to shorten, but at some point during primary school she insisted we use the full thing. So maybe just go with Nell or Nella if you prefer the shorter name.

SkyWalrus · 03/01/2026 22:12

Cornelia

Pavementworrier · 03/01/2026 22:10

VikaOlson · 03/01/2026 22:07

There are so many Nells and Nellies about now, it's not really a name that will be a reason to tease someone.

Show quote history

Smelly Nelly? Cmon

VikaOlson · 03/01/2026 22:07

Pavementworrier · 03/01/2026 21:32

She will get called nelly the elephant at some point in her life

There are so many Nells and Nellies about now, it's not really a name that will be a reason to tease someone.

SkyWalrus · 03/01/2026 22:07

Prunella

CrazyCatMam · 03/01/2026 22:06

Fwiw I taught a Nell - lovely girl - and can confirm that teenagers nowadays have no idea who Nelly the elephant is.

It's commonly used in Scotland as a nickname for Helen (I had a great aunt Nell) - Helena gets a vote from me!

MrsStickMan · 03/01/2026 22:06

I love the name Nell!

I had a friend as a child called Annella. I don’t know if the name was made up - she came from South Africa so perhaps it had some local origin. Anyway I always loved the name - the girl was so bright and fun, I can still picture her in my mind smiling.

AllPlayedOut · 03/01/2026 22:05

Eleanor by far.

Giraffehaver · 03/01/2026 22:05

Helena

TiredofLDN · 03/01/2026 22:04

I like Nell, OP.

Helena and Eleanor are both lovely. I knew a Nell who was Fenella at uni, which was nice too!

HJ40 · 03/01/2026 22:04

Cue the debate about how to pronounce Helena…

Either way, it would be my preference.

TiredofLDN · 03/01/2026 22:03

Pavementworrier · 03/01/2026 22:00

Plus the most famous nell is gwyn, celebrated sex worker

The most (in)famous Jimmy is Saville… should we stop calling boys James?

SoOriginal · 03/01/2026 22:03

I really like Ellena personally. It’s less harsh than Eleanor and doesn’t run the risk of being shortened to Helen!

Heidi2018 · 03/01/2026 22:02

Love either first name but slightly leaning toward Helena. prefer Katherine as a middle name. Noelle for Nell is another option.

Pavementworrier · 03/01/2026 22:00

Plus the most famous nell is gwyn, celebrated sex worker

LivingTheDreamish · 03/01/2026 22:00

Eleanor. Another option is Antonella.

DawnBreaks · 03/01/2026 21:59

My sister is called Helen and all our older relatives call her Nell. I had a border collie called Nell. The sweetest, most adorable dog ever! Nell is a cool name. Out of the 2 I would choose Eleanor.

BoleynMemories13 · 03/01/2026 21:59

I prefer Helena.

Penelope is another name which shortens to Nell.

Pavementworrier · 03/01/2026 21:59

SimonSaysJump · 03/01/2026 21:55

Most kids won’t know what Nelly the elephant is and wouldn’t think of that. Just asked my son if he’s heard of Nelly the elephant and he had no idea what I was on about. I like Penelope or out of your names Eleanor

Yes most kids learn mean jokes from an adult then repeat them

Twas ever thus

DustlandFairytaleBeginning · 03/01/2026 21:58

Eleanor is the obvious one and a lovely name and nickname. Penelope is pretty cool though- feel like Bridgerton has made it not so left field as it might have been.

SimonSaysJump · 03/01/2026 21:55

Most kids won’t know what Nelly the elephant is and wouldn’t think of that. Just asked my son if he’s heard of Nelly the elephant and he had no idea what I was on about. I like Penelope or out of your names Eleanor

Mumofteenandtween · 03/01/2026 21:53

I like the sound of Helena Katherine. She sounds like someone who could be the Head Girl at The Chalet School. (This is very high praise in my world!)

MCF86 · 03/01/2026 21:50

Pavementworrier · 03/01/2026 21:32

She will get called nelly the elephant at some point in her life

I work in a school and I don't think I've ever heard anyone that is currently under 30 reference Nelly the Elephant!

I've known a Penelope, a Nella, and just a given name Nell.
Interestingly none of the Eleanors I've known have been nn Nell, and there's been a few. I prefer that of your two given options, but it may be swayed by the only Helena I know being in her 70s, while I know children called Eleanor.

Moreteaandchocolate · 03/01/2026 21:47

I like both, but would pick Eleanor as there are different pronunciations of Helena, which would annoy me. Nell is lovely.

PhilosophicalCheeseSandwich · 03/01/2026 21:39

Fenella
Ellen
Eleanor
Cornelia
Chanel
Petronella