English Names that Start With N
Across 2 pages
of 2
The names
Nash
English
"by the ash tree"
Nash is an English surname whose sound puts it right in step with currently trendy names like Cash, Dash and Ash. It first came to prominence via TV character Nash Bridges, portrayed by Don Johnson…
Nelson
English
"son of Neil"
Nelson is a rather stiff and dated surname name that is sometimes used to honor distinguished South African activist Nelson Mandela, as Celine Dion did for one of her twin boys. Other notable…
Nell
English, diminutive of Helen, Eleanor, et al
"bright, shining one"
Nell, once a nickname for Helen, Ellen, or Eleanor, is a sweet old-fashioned charmer that is fashionably used today in its own right. While Nell is perfectly in tune with contemporary vintage name…
Nelly
Variation of Nellie and Nell
"light"
Nelly or Nellie is an adorable nickname name that can be short for a wide range of more formal appellations or that can stand on its own, and is typical of the vintage nickname genre that is growing…
Nelda
English
"one who lives by the alder tree"
Occasionally heard in Ireland, small chance of success here.
Noreen
English, diminutive of Nora
Noreen's in limbo, especially now that Nora has made a comeback.
Norabel
Combination of Nora and Belle
"beautiful light"
Blended name sometimes heard in the early decades of the twentieth century.
Norma
English or Latin
"from the north; or, the pattern"
Invented for Bellini's opera, Norma had some star quality in the silent-screen and Marilyn Monroe days, but at this point it's a graying grandma in baby name limbo.
Ned
English, diminutive of Edward
"wealthy guardian"
Ned is a gently old-fashioned Nancy Drew-Bobbsey Twins-era short form for Edward that sounds cooler than Ed and is enjoying a small style renaissance. Usage of Ned in literature goes back to a Ben…
Nat
English, diminutive of Nathan or Nathaniel
Just the kind of old-fashioned nickname coming back into style.
Nate
Diminutive of Nathan or Nathaniel, Hebrew
"given"
Six Feet Under transformed Nate's image from crusty uncle to cool guy. Nate is one of a new generation of nicknames that go directly on the birth certificate. Other similar names: Sam, Jack, Mack.…
Nayland
English
"island-dweller"
Intriguing meaning, but stuffy sound.
Naylor
English occupational name, carpenter or "nailer"
"nailer"
Unique name for the son of a woodworker.
Nelly
English, diminutive of Cornelius, Cornell, Nelson
Naming a child Cornelius or Nelson feels increasingly ahead of the curve in today's vintage name-loving climate. But keep Nelly for a nickname (even the rap star was christened Cornell).
Nesbit
English
"land or river bend shaped like a nose"
A family name that wouldn't appeal to many parents.
Newbold
English
"new building"
Surname choice that's neither new nor bold. Newbold was the middle name of Edith Wharton.
Newbury
English
"new borough, new settlement"
A name only a bully could love.
Newell
English variation of Neville
One of several surnames beginning with New that nevertheless sound anything but.
Newland
English
"new land"
Some will see this as spirited, others stuffy. The protagonist of the Edith Wharton novel The Age of Innocence was a popular and successful lawyer named Newbold Archer.
Newman
English
"newcomer"
Family name best used in the middle, especially since it was seen as the portly postman in Seinfeld.