The nameNova

Nova is a Latin word meaning "new", used in astronomy for a star that suddenly brightens. It has become a popular girl's name in the United States.

Meaning

Nova means "new" in Latin. In astronomy, a nova is a star that flares up and seems to appear in the sky.

Origin

Latin, a modern name.

History

Nova has been in the American top 100 since 2017 and reached 32nd place in 2021 and 2022. It is also rising in England and Wales.

Famous people named Nova

Popularity of the name Nova

Nova in the United States

39thmost popular girls' name in the United States in 2024
2022peak year (6,191 births)
54,140babies named Nova in the United States since 1880
03,0966,191 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Nova was most popular in the United States in the 2020s, with 28,085 births over the decade, 52% of all recorded babies named Nova. Its rise began around 2013, and it peaked in 2022. Half of all babies named Nova in the United States were born before 2020, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 5,617 births a year on average, against 3,279 in the five years before.

Nova in the United Kingdom

71stmost popular girls' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
2025peak year (741 births)
5,035babies named Nova in the United Kingdom since 1997
0371741 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Nova was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 3,751 births over the decade, 74% of all recorded babies named Nova. Its rise began around 2015, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Nova in the United Kingdom were born before 2022, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 668 births a year on average, against 284 in the five years before.

Nova in Belgium

104thmost popular girls' name in Belgium in 2025
2025peak year (86 births)
579babies named Nova in Belgium since 1995
04386 1995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Belgium. Source: Statbel, names given at least 5 times a year.

Nova in Norway

119thmost popular girls' name in Norway in 2025
2022peak year (63 births)
614babies named Nova in Norway since 1945
03263 1960198020002020
Births per year in Norway. Source: Statistics Norway (SSB), table 10467.

Sibling names for Nova

Names from the same generation as Nova, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Nova? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Nova with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Nova side by side with the name of your choice.

Nova in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Nova mean?

Nova means "new" in Latin. In astronomy, a nova is a star that flares up and seems to appear in the sky.

What is the origin of the name Nova?

Latin, a modern name.

Is Nova a girl's or a boy's name?

Nova is a girl's name. In the United States, 94% of the babies named Nova are girls.

How popular is the name Nova?

In 2024, Nova was the 39th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 5,044 births.

What are good sibling names for Nova?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Luna, Emilia, Freya and Isla for a sister, Maverick, Waylon, Arlo and Brooks for a brother.

Who are famous people named Nova?

Nova Pilbeam, actress.