Lily vs Nova

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Lily

Girl #24 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"lily flower, purity"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

English American Irish French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#24
Total SSA Count
6,093
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Lil

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Lily →

Nova

Girl #39 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"New"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

English Spanish Italian Portuguese

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#39
Total SSA Count
5,044
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Nov, Novi

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Nova →

Popularity Comparison

Lily Rank #24
Nova Rank #39

Lily is more popular, ranked #24 vs #39 for Nova.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Lily ___

  • Lily Grace
  • Lily Anne
  • Lily Rose
  • Lily Jane
  • Lily Mae
  • Lily Kate

Nova ___

  • Nova Rose
  • Nova Grace
  • Nova Mae
  • Nova Jane
  • Nova Claire
  • Nova Jade

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Lily

Oliver Violet Jack Iris Jasper

If you choose Nova

Luna Aurora Stella Leo Atlas

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lily or Nova more popular?

Lily is more popular, ranked #24 compared to Nova at #39 in the United States.

What do Lily and Nova mean?

Lily means "lily flower, purity" (Old English origin). Nova means "New" (Latin origin).

Are Lily and Nova boy or girl names?

Lily is primarily a girl name. Nova is primarily a girl name.

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← Full profile: Lily ← Full profile: Nova Browse all baby names