Unique Names that Start With N

Nova

Latin

"new"

Nova has the feel of both newness, from its meaning, and great energy as an astronomical term for a star that increases suddenly in brightness before fading. Nova had some reasonable degree of…

Natalia

Latin

"birthday [of the Lord]"

Natalia was derived from the Latin word natalis , meaning "birthday." It refers to the birthday of Jesus Christ, and thus originated as a name for girls born on Christmas Day. Related forms include…

Nevaeh

Modern invented name

Nevaeh: an already bold word name with the unusual twist of being spelled backwards; a nightmare for those who love traditional, classic names; a divisive option on name forums across the internet;…

Noa

Hebrew, Japanese

"motion; my love, affection"

This Old Testament name has been one of the most popular girls names in Israel over the last decade and is also a favorite in Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands. First appearing in the US charts…

Nyla

Arabic, Sanskrit, Irish, modern invention

"winner, one who achieves; hero; cloud; wind, air; dark blue"

Bright, spirited, and playful, Nyla shares sounds with the popular Isla, Lila, Layla, and Delilah, making it feel fresh and in style. A name with a number of possible origins, it made a brief,…

Nayeli

Latin American, Zapotec

"I love you; open"

Predominantly used among the Hispanic community, but beginning to be used more broadly, Nayeli is a melodic choice, derived from the Zapotec nadxiie lii meaning "I love you", or perhaps from nayele…

Navy

English, word name

"fleet of ships; sea-based branch of the armed forces; dark blue"

When R & B singer Nivea made this highly original choice for her daughter's name back in 2005, she claimed to have thought of it in terms of the color and not the seagoing armed service. As a word…

Nalani

Variation of Nālani, Hawaiian

"the heavens, the skies, the chiefs; calm skies"

Traditionally spelled as Nālani, this name is evocative of tranquil island escapes. Combining the popular Hawaiian element lani ("sky, heaven, chief") with nā ("the (plural)" or "quiet, calm"), it…

Nylah

Arabic

"winner"

Nylah is the Arabic name of a princess -- Nyla is another variation -- that's rising quickly through the ranks, partly thanks to an adorable kitty that enjoyed 15 minutes of YouTube fame. But we…

Naya

Sanskrit or Hebrew

"new or God has answered"

Naya is a multi-cultural name that might be related to Nia and Naia but is also a name on its own. The Sanskrit and Hebrew meanings noted above are the most common. It may also be an Arabic name…

Naylani

Modern invention or variation of Nālani

"the heavens, the skies"

A faux Hawaiian name in the style of Leilani, Kalani, and Kailani, Naylani may be read as variation of Nālani (meaning "the heavens"), a contraction of Noelani (meaning "heavenly mist"), or a blend…

Novalee

Compound name, Nova + Lee, Latin and English

"new meadow"

Can be shortened to Nova, which has seen a meteoric rise into the Top 50 in recent years. Novalee appeared on the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2016 and continues to drift gently upward.

Nori

Japanese, English short form or Eleanor, Leonora, Nora, Honora, or North, form of Nor or Nuri, Arabic, Turkish

"ceremonial rites, doctrine, seaweed; unknown, honor, north; my light"

Nori is one of those names with several origins that would have no trouble assimilating into a variety of cultures. It might also be associated with the dried seaweed used to wrap sushi or with the…