Nellis is an uncommon given name of American origin. It is often associated with the city of Nellis, Nevada, home to the Nellis Air Force Base. The name may also have connections to Irish or Scottish ancestry through its possible derivation from the surname Nellis, which likely derives from the Gaelic 'Niadh' meaning 'champion'. In recent years, there has been a slight increase in popularity for this name, with more parents choosing it for their children due to its unique and distinctive sound. Despite its rarity, Nellis is not gender-specific and can be used for individuals of any gender identity.
"Nellis saw a boom in births with 8 babies welcomed in 1919, followed by peaks in 1922 and 1931 with 5 births each, bringing the total to 18 over these three years."