Novak

♂ Boy

Novak Pronunciation

Novak is 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.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighSlavic

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

U.S. rank (2024)#3565 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births32 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 354

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

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

Famous bearers coming soon.

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

→ See all names like Novak

Browse the whole category: All Slavic names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Novak?

Novak is pronounced NOH-vak (/ˈnoʊ.væk/). Press play above to hear Novak said aloud.

How do you say Novak?

Novak is said NOH-vak (/ˈnoʊ.væk/). Press play above to hear Novak said aloud.

What does the name Novak mean?

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

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.