Nelly
Meaning: Bright, shining one; light
Origin: Short form of Eleanor, Ellen, or Elaine — ultimately from Greek helios (sun) or Germanic alja (other)
Gender: Girl
Rank in Ireland: #985
Total births: 104
History: Nelly is steeped in the atmosphere of the Giant's Causeway, where the limestone pavements of the Burren stir the imagination. Families in County Leitrim chose it as a name of both beauty and backbone. It shares the resilient spirit celebrated by Planxty.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #608 |
| Babies named Nelly in 2025 | 5 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 104 |
| Peak year | 2016 (8 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #474 |
| Years in records | 2007–2025 (19 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 64 spots |
Frequently asked about Nelly
What does the name Nelly mean?
Nelly means “Bright, shining one; light” from Short form of Eleanor, Ellen, or Elaine — ultimately from Greek helios (sun) or Germanic alja (other) roots.
What is the origin of the name Nelly?
Nelly has Short form of Eleanor, Ellen, or Elaine — ultimately from Greek helios (sun) or Germanic alja (other) origin. The traditional meaning is “Bright, shining one; light”.
How popular is Nelly in Ireland?
Nelly ranked #608 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 5 babies that year.
Is Nelly a boy or girl name?
Nelly is predominantly a girls' name in Ireland — over 90% of Nellys in registered births are female.
Is the name Nelly rising or falling in popularity?
Nelly has fallen 64 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Ireland — from #544 in 2020 to #608 in 2025.
How long has Nelly been recorded in Ireland?
Nelly appears in birth records in Ireland across 19 years — from 2007 through 2025.