Nas

Nas is a masculine name with diverse origins. In Arabic, it means 'people' and can be a shortened form of names like Nasir ('helper' or 'protector'). It gained recognition in Western culture primarily through the famous American rapper Nas (born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones) who emerged in the 1990s. The name carries a contemporary, strong sound with its brevity and distinctive ending. While relatively uncommon as a standalone given name, it has appeal for parents seeking a short, multicultural name with musical associations. In some cultures, Nas can also function as a surname or nickname, adding to its versatility across different communities.

Pronounced NAHZ.

As of October 2026, Nas ranked #4991 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #3544 in 2020.