Novak

♂ Boy

Pronounced NOH-vak /ˈnoʊ.væk/High

Meaning: From Slavic nov, 'new' — Novak, 'newcomer, new man' — a very common surname, popularized by tennis's Novak DjokovicMedium

In 30 seconds: The new one, victorious: Novak means 'newcomer' across the Slavic world — and belongs to tennis's record-breaking Novak Djokovic. Fresh starts and champion energy in one strong name.

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Origin HighSlavic

MeaningFrom Slavic nov, 'new' — Novak, 'newcomer, new man' — a very common surname, popularized by tennis's Novak Djokovic

U.S. rank (2025)#3730 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births30 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 384

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

Novak comes from the Slavic root nov, 'new' — 'newcomer, new man', often given to a new arrival in a village. One of the most widespread Slavic surnames, it surged as a first name through Serbian tennis champion Novak Djokovic.

In the U.S. it appears as a fresh surname-name. Rare, 'new' at the root, and champion-flavored.

Did you know? Novak is one of the most common surnames in Slavic countries — from 'nov', new — and tennis great Novak Djokovic has turned it into a first name carried by champions in spirit.

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Novak — etymology

Variations

NovákNowak

Nicknames

NovaNole

Famous Bearers

★Novak Djokovic (1987-)
Serbian tennis player and multiple Grand Slam champion

If you like Novak…

Nova— the 'new' name it shares a root with

Milan— a fellow Slavic favorite

Luka— a companion Slavic crossover name

Viktor— another strong Slavic name

Explore names like Novak

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Novak mean?

Novak is Slavic for 'newcomer, new man', from nov, 'new'.

How do you pronounce Novak?

It's said NOH-vak /ˈnoʊ.væk/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Novak a boy or girl name?

Novak is a boy's name.

How popular is Novak?

Novak is a rare name in the U.S.