Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Nadine
GirlFrench, Russian· “hope”
- Meaning
- hope
- Origin
- French, Russian
- Pronunciation
- nay-DEEN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,627
- US babies 2025
- 128
- Best rank
- #229 (1926)
- Peak year
- 1958
Meaning and origin of Nadine
Nadine is a French and Russian name that means “hope”.
Nadine is the French form of Nadia, which comes from the Russian Nadezhda, meaning hope. The name moved from Russia into France in the nineteenth century and then into English-speaking countries. Its most notable bearer may be Nadine Gordimer, the South African novelist who won the Nobel Prize in Literature. Nadine has a cool, sophisticated sound that feels firmly mid-century today, giving it a vintage appeal. It is easy to spell and pronounce, and Nadia and Dina can serve as alternatives or nicknames.
Popularity over time
Nadine first appears in US Social Security records in 1887. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 110 different years, starting in 1888. Its best national rank was #229 in 1926, and the most babies received it in 1958, when 1,011 were named Nadine. In 2025, 128 babies were named Nadine, and it ranked #1,627 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #269 in 1920, #279 in 1950, #555 in 1980, #888 in 2000, #1,497 in 2010, and #1,627 in 2025. Of the 53,381 US girls named Nadine since records began, 17% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 8,008 babies. Since 2010, 2,384 more have been named Nadine.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lucinda, Gwen, Jeri, Debby, and Cathleen.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nadine ranked highest in Massachusetts, Ohio, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #852 | 6 |
| Ohio | #1011 | 9 |
| California | #1077 | 25 |
| Arizona | #1171 | 5 |
| Illinois | #1200 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Nadine is usually pronounced nay-DEEN, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with N and ends in “-ne”.
Middle names for Nadine
A few middle names that flow with Nadine: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nadine
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Lists that include Nadine
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nadine mean?
Nadine is a French and Russian name that means “hope”.
What is the origin of the name Nadine?
Nadine has French and Russian roots. Nadine is the French form of Nadia, which comes from the Russian Nadezhda, meaning hope.
Is Nadine a popular name?
Not especially. Nadine ranked #1,627 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Nadine a boy or girl name?
Nadine is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Nadine?
Nadine is usually pronounced nay-DEEN. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings