Nell

Nell is a feminine given name, often a diminutive form of Eleanor, Ellen, or Helen, and sometimes used as an independent name. The form arose in English-speaking countries and was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries; over time it appeared as a legally recognized given name in its own right. The name has several related variants, including Nellie, Nelly, and Nell.

Notable people with the name include Nell Gwyn (1650–1687), an English stage actress and mistress of King Charles II, who is among the most famous bearers and helped popularize the name in popular culture. Other historical or contemporary figures named Nell are rarer, but the form continues to appear in literature and media.

In fiction and media, Nell has been used as the name for fictional characters in novels, films, and television, often conveying a folksy or approachable persona. The 1994 American drama film titled Nell centers on a woman named Nell, played by Jodie Foster, exploring themes of language development, isolation, and society. The name’s long-standing presence in English literature has contributed to a perception of Nell as a warm, down-to-earth, or plucky hero or heroine in various works.