Nell is a unique and charming female name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish given name Niamh, which means "bright" or " Radiant". The name Niamh was popularized by the legendary Irish hero Cuchulainn, who had a beautiful daughter named Niamh.
The name Nell has been used as a diminutive of Niamh for centuries and has gained popularity in its own right. It is often associated with warmth, charm, and a certain luminosity, much like the meaning of its Irish origins.
Nell was also popularized by literature. The most notable example is Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist," where Nell Trent is one of the main characters. This portrayal has likely contributed to the name's enduring popularity in English-speaking countries.
Overall, Nell is a beautiful and distinctive name with a rich history and a lovely meaning. It is a name that stands out without being too unusual, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for something special for their daughter.
The statistics provided show the annual number of babies named Nell born in the United States from 1900 to 2019. The data shows a varied pattern over time.
In the early years, from 1900 to 1913, there were only occasional births with the name Nell each year, ranging from 5 to 8 births per year. However, in 1918 and 1927-1928, there was a slight increase in popularity with 9 and 6 births respectively.
There is then a gap in data until 1933 when the number of births with the name Nell increases to 9 again. This popularity is maintained for two more years with 6 births each year before dropping back down to 5 births in 1939.
The statistics skip several decades and do not show any further data until 1977, where there were once again 6 babies named Nell born that year. Despite the fluctuations over time, the name Nell has had a consistent presence among baby names in the United States throughout the 20th century.