Novel

♂ Boy

Pronounced NOV-ul /ˈnɑː.vəl/High

Meaning: The English word novel, from Latin novellus ('new, young, fresh'). It carries both senses: the adjective 'new and original' and the noun 'a book.' Used as a modern word-name.Medium

In 30 seconds: A word-name with two good meanings: Novel is 'new and original' — and a book (said 'NOV-ul').

💕 Browse more names

Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningThe English word novel, from Latin novellus ('new, young, fresh'). It carries both senses: the adjective 'new and original' and the noun 'a book.' Used as a modern word-name.

U.S. rank (2024)#13625 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1924

Total births (all-time)≈ 53

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

Novel is an English word-name from Latin novellus, 'new, young, fresh.' English kept both branches: the adjective meaning new and original, and the noun for a long work of fiction. As a given name it is recent and reads literary and fresh in the same breath (said 'NOV-ul').

In the U.S. it is very rare for boys. Rare, literary, and modern.

Did you know? Novel traces to Latin novellus, 'new, young, fresh' — the same root behind November's old sense and the Italian novella. As a name it reads bookish and inventive at once (said 'NOV-ul').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Novel — English word-name; Latin novellus 'new'

Variations

NovellNovelle

Nicknames

NovVel

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Novel…

Noble— a like virtue-flavored word-name

Novak— a similar No- sounding modern pick

Lyric— a like artistic word-name

Legend— a similar bold modern choice

Explore names like Novel

By thememodern word-name rare literary

By meaningYouth

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Novel mean?

Novel is the English word for something new and original — and also a book. It comes from Latin novellus, 'new, fresh.'

How do you pronounce Novel?

It's said NOV-ul /ˈnɑː.vəl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Novel a boy or girl name?

Novel is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Novel?

Novel is a very rare name for boys in the U.S.