Nova
Nova is a girls' name of Latin origin meaning “new, a star showing sudden brightness.” It ranked #46 in the United States in 2025. Nova means 'new' in Latin and refers to a star that suddenly increases in brightness.
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how do you pronounce Nova?
NO-vah
where does the name Nova come from?
The Latin feminine adjective meaning new. In astronomy a nova is a star that brightens suddenly and dramatically before fading — the term is a shortening of stella nova, new star, coined because such a star appears where none was visible before.
It has risen dramatically as part of the celestial naming trend, jumping from #536 in 2011 to the top 25. Its cosmic energy feels modern and bold.
how popular is this name?
Nova has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 67 years since 1885, and fell outside it for 74. It peaked at #32 in 2021, and ranked #46 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #46 |
| 2024 | #39 |
| 2023 | #35 |
| 2022 | #32 |
| 2021 | #32 |
| 2020 | #38 |
| 2019 | #51 |
| 2018 | #55 |
| 2017 | #94 |
| 2016 | #136 |
| 1930 | #818 |
| 1920 | #690 |
| 1910 | #753 |
| 1900 | #656 |
| 1890 | #693 |
| 1885 | #629 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Nova fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Nova
Tycho Brahe's 1572 observation of a nova in Cassiopeia helped dismantle the ancient belief that the heavens were unchanging, making the word itself a marker of a scientific turning point. As a given name Nova is almost entirely recent, arriving with the wave of celestial names that also lifted Luna and Aurora, and reaching the American top fifty in the 2020s.
who are famous people named Nova?
- Nova (astronomical phenomenon)
- Nova (Marvel Comics character)
- Nova (Planet of the Apes character)
what are the nicknames and variants of Nova?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Nova?
what names go well with Nova?
Sibling names that share Nova's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Nova
What does the name Nova mean?
Nova means “new, a star showing sudden brightness”.
What is the origin of the name Nova?
Nova comes from the Latin naming tradition. Related forms include Novah and Novalie.
How popular is the name Nova?
Nova ranked #46 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2021, at #32, and it has spent 67 years in the top 1,000 since 1885.
Is Nova a boy or girl name?
Nova is primarily a girls' name.
How do you pronounce Nova?
Nova is pronounced NO-vah, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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