Also Nell or Nelly.
Of Greek and Occitan origin.
Diminutive of the names Ellen, Helen, Eleanor and Cornelia.
Sources mention that it derives from the medieval phrase “mine El”.
Other forms of the name are: Elena, Jelena, Noor, Nora, Lena, Elina.
Famous bearers are Nelly Furtado, Nellie McKay, Nelly Arcan.
Canadian singer Nelly Furtado, also a songwriter, is a characteristic successful bearer of the name.
She became widely known with her first single “I’m like a bird”, from her debut album “Whoa, Nelly!” and since then her records sold more than 40 million copies worldwide.