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Neli

♀ Girl

Pronounced NEH-lee /ˈnɛ.li/High

Meaning: A short form of Cornelia ('a horn', Latin) and the Bulgarian Nedelya ('Sunday'); routes uncertainLow

In 30 seconds: A horn; the bright one: Neli is a short form of Cornelia. Sweet, modern, and warm.

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Origin LowBulgarian, Latin

MeaningA short form of Cornelia ('a horn', Latin) and the Bulgarian Nedelya ('Sunday'); routes uncertain

U.S. rank (2025)#14436 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2007

Total births (all-time)≈ 319

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Neli is a short form of Cornelia ('a horn', Latin) and the Bulgarian Nedelya ('Sunday'; routes uncertain, which we note). A sweet, modern name (said 'NEH-lee').

In the U.S. it appears in Bulgarian and East European families. Rare, a-horn at the root, and sweet.

Did you know? Neli is variously a short form of Cornelia ('a horn', Latin) and the Bulgarian Nedelya ('Sunday') — a sweet, modern name (the routes are uncertain, which we note; said 'NEH-lee').

Overall data confidence 30%

References — Neli — routes uncertain

Variations

NellyNelliNellie

Nicknames

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If you like Neli…

Nelly— a kin spelling

Nellie— a fellow spelling

Nelia— a sound-neighbor Nel- girls' name

Neva— a companion Ne- girls' name

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By themeuncertain latin bulgarian

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Neli mean?

Neli is variously a short form of Cornelia ('a horn') and the Bulgarian Nedelya ('Sunday'); the routes are uncertain.

How do you pronounce Neli?

It's said NEH-lee /ˈnɛ.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Neli a boy or girl name?

Neli is a girl's name.

How popular is Neli?

Neli is a very rare name in the U.S.