Nelly
GirlEnglish
Nelly is a girl name of English origin meaning "Shining light, radiant".
About this name
Gender
Girl
Language
English
Religion
Christian
Popularity
4 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
5 letters
Meaning
Shining light, radiant
Etymology
Diminutive form of Eleanor or Helena, from Greek Helenē, meaning 'shining light'.
Famous People Named Nelly
- Nelly Sachs — Jewish German poet and playwright (1891-1970)
- Nelly Furtado — Portuguese-Canadian singer and songwriter
- Nelly — American rapper (born 1974)
- Nelly Borgeaud — Swiss actress (1931–2004)
- Nelly — Egyptian actress
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelly
What does the name Nelly mean?
Nelly means "Shining light, radiant", and is of English origin.
What is the origin of the name Nelly?
Nelly originates from English, commonly used in Europe.
Is Nelly a boy or girl name?
Nelly is typically used as a girl name.
What religion is the name Nelly associated with?
Nelly is associated with Christian.
Are there famous people named Nelly?
Yes — notable people named Nelly include Nelly Sachs (Jewish German poet and playwright, 1891-1970), Nelly Furtado (Portuguese-Canadian singer and songwriter), Nelly (American rapper, born 1974), Nelly Borgeaud (Swiss actress, 1931–2004) and Nelly (Egyptian actress).
Last updated: June 2026