Nelly

Nelly is an English pet form of the name Eleanor or Helen, both of which trace back ultimately to the Greek Helene, likely derived from a root meaning torch, bright light, or possibly linked to Selene, the moon goddess. The name gained widespread popularity in Britain and the United States during the nineteenth century, carried in part by the celebrated Swedish soprano Jenny Lind being called by related familiar forms, and later by Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, whose stage name became a permanent fixture in history. Nelly has long functioned as an independent given name rather than merely a nickname. Related forms include Nell, Nellie, Eleanor, Helen, and Ellen.