ThinkabaraNova: meaning and origin
Nova
“New; a star that suddenly shines brightly”
About the name Nova
Nova is a girl’s name from the Latin tradition. Its meaning is “new; a star that suddenly shines brightly”. Names from Latin, the language of ancient Rome — strong, classic names like Olivia, Julian, Clara and Felix.
It has a modern feel and has become more common in the US in recent decades.
More names with a similar meaning: names that mean light, names that mean star, moon or sky.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Latin names
- Aurelia 👧Golden · Latin
- Aurora 👧Dawn; the Roman goddess of the sunrise · Latin
- Ava 👧Bird; also linked to life · Latin
- Beatrice 👧She who brings happiness · Latin
- Cecilia 👧Blind; the patron saint of music · Latin
- Celeste 👧Heavenly · Latin
- Clara 👧Clear, bright, famous · Latin
- Emilia 👧Rival; eager; a form of Emily · Latin
- Emily 👧Rival; eager and hardworking · Latin
- Felicity 👧Happiness, good fortune · Latin
- Frankie 🧒Free one; a pet form of Francis and Frances · Latin
- Grace 👧Grace, kindness, charm · Latin
Sibling name ideas (Latin, boys)
- Adrian 👦From Hadria, a town near the Adriatic Sea · Latin
- Anthony 👦Priceless, highly praiseworthy · Latin
- August 👦Great, magnificent · Latin
- Bennett 👦Blessed · Latin
- Calvin 👦Bald · Latin
- Christian 👦Follower of Christ · Latin
- Dominic 👦Belonging to the Lord · Latin
- Felix 👦Happy, lucky · Latin
More girl names starting with N
- Nadia 👧Hope · Slavic
- Nalani 👧The calm of the heavens · Hawaiian
- Naomi 👧Pleasant, my delight · Hebrew
- Natalie 👧Born on Christmas Day · Latin
- Nia 👧Purpose (Swahili) · African
- Niamh 👧Bright, radiant; a goddess in Irish legend · Irish
- Nora 👧Honor; also a short form of Eleanor · Irish
- Nyla 👧Winner, champion · African American
Questions and answers
What does the name Nova mean?
Nova is a name of Latin origin. It means: new; a star that suddenly shines brightly.
Is Nova a boy or girl name?
Nova is usually given to girls.
How many syllables does Nova have?
Nova has 4 letters and about 2 syllables.
Is Nova a popular name?
Yes. Nova has been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. Names marked “popular now” have been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. This is an approximate guide, not an official ranking; see the Social Security Administration’s baby names site for official counts.