"New"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Nova
Pronunciation: [ n-OHV-uh ]
Does Nova flow with your last name?
Bright as a star being born
English
Spanish
Italian
Portuguese
Modern
Bold
Unique
Whimsical
Elegant
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames for Nova
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"Star that suddenly increases dramatically in brightness"
Origin: Astronomical
Language: Latin
"new"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
"star that brightens suddenly"
Origin: Astronomical Latin
Language: English
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The Story of Nova
Nova comes from the Latin word 'novus' meaning new. In astronomy, a nova is a star that suddenly increases dramatically in brightness before fading — giving the name its celestial, radiant quality. While it has ancient Latin roots, Nova as a given name is largely a modern phenomenon, embraced for its combination of simplicity and cosmic drama.
Nova exploded in popularity in the 2010s as parents sought short, celestial names. It entered the US top 100 around 2015 and has climbed steadily since, riding the wave of space-themed names alongside Luna and Aurora. The name also benefits from the Nova PBS documentary series, lending it an intellectual sheen.
In astronomy, a nova represents a star reborn — making the name symbolically powerful for a new life. In several indigenous cultures of North America and South America, 'nova' or similar sounds carry meaning related to the sun or light.
Historical Record
Nova first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 47,999 babies have been named Nova in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Nova is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #39 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In astronomy, a nova is a star that temporarily increases in brightness by a factor of 10,000 or more
- Nova is one of the fastest-rising girls' names of the 2010s in the US
- The word 'novel', 'innovate', and 'Nova' all share the Latin root 'novus' meaning new
Nova in Other Languages
Arabic
نوفا
French
Nova
Italian
Nova
Spanish
Nova
Japanese
ノヴァ
Portuguese
Nova
Popularity Over Time
#39
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Nova
N
Nova Peris
Athlete
1971
Australian Olympic gold medalist in field hockey and first Aboriginal woman elected to Australian parliament
N
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Compare Nova with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #39
- Total SSA Count
- 5,044
- Cultural Origins
- English Spanish Italian Portuguese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Nov
Novi
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Nova
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Nova is also used as a boy name, ranked #1180.
View Nova as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nova
What does the name Nova mean?
"New" (from Latin). "Star that suddenly increases dramatically in brightness" (from Astronomical). "new" (from Latin). "star that brightens suddenly" (from Astronomical Latin). Nova comes from the Latin word 'novus' meaning new. In astronomy, a nova is a star that suddenly increases dramatically in brightness before fading — giving the name its celestial, radiant quality. While it has ancient Latin roots, Nova as a given name is largely a modern phenomenon, embraced for its combination of simplicity and cosmic drama.
What is the origin of the name Nova?
Nova has Latin, Astronomical, Astronomical Latin, English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese origins. In Latin, it means "New". In Astronomical, it means "Star that suddenly increases dramatically in brightness". In Latin, it means "new". In Astronomical Latin, it means "star that brightens suddenly".
Is Nova a boy or girl name?
Nova is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #39. As a boy name, it is ranked #1180. Nova is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Nova?
Nova is pronounced n-OHV-uh.
How popular is the name Nova?
Nova is currently ranked #39 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Nova?
Common nicknames for Nova include Nov and Novi.
What are good middle names for Nova?
Popular middle name pairings include Nova Rose, Nova Grace, Nova Mae, Nova Jane, Nova Claire, Nova Jade, and Nova Faith.
What are good sibling names for Nova?
Names that pair well with Nova as siblings include Luna, Aurora, Stella, Leo, Atlas, Orion, and Lyra.
How many syllables does Nova have?
Nova has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Nova a common or rare name?
Nova is a very popular name, ranked #39 among girl names in the United States.
What girl names are similar to Nova?
About the Name Nova
Nova is a girl name with English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese origins . The name means "New" in Latin .
Is Nova a boy or girl name? Nova is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #39 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,180. Nova is more commonly used as a girl name.
Nova is currently ranked #39 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Nova has 2 syllables and is pronounced n-OHV-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Nova include Nov and Novi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Nova include Novalee, Novah, Novaleigh, Novalynn, Novalie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis