Nas

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Nas

Pronounced NAHSS /ˈnɑs/High

Meaning: Variously a short form of Nasir ('a helper; a protector') and linked to the Arabic an-nas, 'the people; mankind'; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A helper; the people: Nas shortens Nasir / echoes 'the people'. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'NAHSS').

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Nas

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Origin LowArabic

MeaningVariously a short form of Nasir ('a helper; a protector') and linked to the Arabic an-nas, 'the people; mankind'; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#4991 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births20 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 233

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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

Nas is variously a short form of Nasir, 'a helper; a protector', and linked to the Arabic an-nas, 'the people; mankind' (routes layered, which we note). The hip-hop artist Nas (Nasir Jones) made it iconic. A crisp, modern name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished).

In the U.S. it appears thinly. Rare, a-helper-or-the-people at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Nas is variously a short form of Nasir ('a helper; a protector') and linked to the Arabic an-nas, 'the people; mankind' — a crisp, modern name, used for both sexes (here for boys; the rapper Nas bears it; the routes are layered; said 'NAHSS').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Nas — routes layered

Variations

NasirNazNass

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Nas…

Nasir— a name it shortens

Nazir— a fellow Na- Arabic boys' name

Amir— another short Arabic boys' name

Aws— a fellow Arabic choice

Noor— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Nas

By themeuncertain arabic unisex protector

By meaningProtector

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Nas mean?

Nas is variously a short form of Nasir ('a helper') and linked to 'the people; mankind'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Nas?

It's said NAHSS /ˈnɑs/ — one syllable.

Is Nas a boy or girl name?

Nas is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Nas?

Nas is a rare name in the U.S.