Nova

♂ Boy

Pronounced NOH-vuh /ˈnoʊ.və/High

Meaning: New; from Latin nova (new, feminine of novus); in astronomy, a star that undergoes a sudden brighteningHigh

In 30 seconds: A Latin word name meaning 'new,' also the astronomical term for a star that suddenly brightens. While Nova ranks much higher for girls, it appears in boys' data as a gender-neutral celestial name.

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Origin HighLatin

MeaningNew; from Latin nova (new, feminine of novus); in astronomy, a star that undergoes a sudden brightening

U.S. rank (2025)#1308 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births149 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,226

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

Nova is from Latin nova (new, feminine of novus). In astronomy it refers to a white dwarf that explosively brightens. As a given name it has grown dramatically for girls from the 2010s and appears in boys' data as well.

Nova ranked #1177 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? In astronomy, a nova is a thermonuclear explosion on the surface of a white dwarf star — a star that suddenly increases in brightness by thousands of times before fading. The word comes from the Latin for 'new star,' since ancient astronomers thought a new star had appeared.

Overall data confidence 94%

U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Novah

Nicknames

Nov

Famous Bearers

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If you like Nova…

Neo— short Latin/Greek name meaning new, the exact synonym of Nova

Cosmo— Latin cosmic name with the same celestial, starry quality

Orion— constellation name with the same astronomical tradition

Leo— constellation name with the same short Latin celestial feel

Explore names like Nova

By themelatin unisex two-syllable celestial astronomical

By meaningLight Star

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nova mean?

Nova means 'new' from Latin nova. In astronomy, a nova is a star that suddenly brightens dramatically due to a thermonuclear explosion.

How do you pronounce Nova?

It's said NOH-vuh — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Nova a boy or girl name?

Nova is primarily a girls' name but appears in boys' data.

How popular is Nova?

Nova ranked #1177 for U.S. boys in 2024.