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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!

OP posts:
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Uberella · 03/01/2026 21:27

Fenella

MapleOakPine · 03/01/2026 21:27

Helena

maddiemookins16mum · 03/01/2026 21:27

Helena.

DramaQueenlady · 03/01/2026 21:28

Eleanor

Snipples · 03/01/2026 21:28

Penelope

Tygertiger · 03/01/2026 21:28

Personally I would use Penelope, but from your list, Helena.

shoopshoopdedoo · 03/01/2026 21:29

Helena

thentheycameforme · 03/01/2026 21:29

Could you do Katherine Nell, known as Nell?

Solongtoshort · 03/01/2026 21:29

Elenanor Louisa is an absolute must, l live by Eleanor Ave and l wish l had thought of this name for my daughter.

ScrapeandScratch · 03/01/2026 21:31

Nellephant

Daisymay2 · 03/01/2026 21:31

Ellen or Elena.

Pavementworrier · 03/01/2026 21:32

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

Whoneedsanamesuggestion · 03/01/2026 21:32

Helena

But I also love Penelope as pps have mentioned

ChikinLikin · 03/01/2026 21:34

Eleanor.
That was Nell Gwyn's name.

PhilosophicalCheeseSandwich · 03/01/2026 21:39

Fenella
Ellen
Eleanor
Cornelia
Chanel
Petronella

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.

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.

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!)

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

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.

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

BoleynMemories13 · 03/01/2026 21:59

I prefer Helena.

Penelope is another name which shortens to Nell.

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.

LivingTheDreamish · 03/01/2026 22:00

Eleanor. Another option is Antonella.

Pavementworrier · 03/01/2026 22:00

Plus the most famous nell is gwyn, celebrated sex worker