Girl Name · Greek Origin
Nellie
Last reviewed: June 2026
Nellie — a girl name from the Greek tradition — is familiar without being overly common. Its meaning, "Shining one", anchors the name in something deeper than sound alone. If Nelle is on your shortlist, Nellie belongs in the same conversation.
Names like Nellie
Frequently asked about Nellie
What does the name Nellie mean?
Nellie means "Shining one" and is of Greek origin.
What is the origin of Nellie?
Nellie originates in Greek naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Nellie?
Nellie has 6 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Nellie a boy's or girl's name?
Nellie is primarily used as a girl's name in US records.
How popular is Nellie in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Nellie sits in the Top 500 tier — familiar without being overly common.
What names are similar to Nellie?
Names that share Nellie's sound and style include Nelle, Nelly, Nella, Newell, Neill.