Nelu

Nelu is a Romanian masculine name functioning as a short form or hypocoristic of names ending in -nel or containing that diminutive element, most commonly derived from Ioan (the Romanian form of John, itself from Hebrew Yohanan, meaning Yahweh is gracious) through the intermediate form Ionel. It developed as an affectionate everyday form widely used in Romania and Moldova, particularly throughout the twentieth century. Related forms include Ionel, Ioan, and the broader international cognates Johannes, Jean, and Juan.