Meaning Developed as a dimunitive of 'Eleanor', 'Ellen' and 'Helen', Nell is derived from the Old Greek for 'bright one' or 'shining one'. Origin of Nell Greek +-100%Zoom level changed to 1 Popular Middle Names Cynthia, Mavis, Winslet Pronunciation 🔊 Listen Nell NEHL Similar Names Ellie Ellia Ellie-Grace Eleanor-Rose Lenore Ella May Ella-Grace Ella-Mae Elli Elenor Year by Year Popularity of Nell