Barbara, Due to the closeness in origin between the names Ellen, Helen, and Eleanor, the following appear to have been fairly common in usage for each: 1) "Ellie" as a diminutive 2) Limited-to-moderate interchangeable usage of Lena, Aileen, Eileen, Elaine, Eleanor, Ellen, Lanna (and one might think, Lana), Lenora, Nora 3) The Irish tended to use Nell, Nelly, and Nellie as nick/pet names for Ellen. Hope this helps. Brian