Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Noa
GirlHebrew· “movement, motion”
- Meaning
- movement, motion
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- NOH-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #226
- US babies 2025
- 1,348
- Best rank
- #226 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Noa
Noa is a Hebrew name that means “movement, motion”.
Noa is a Hebrew name usually translated "movement" or "motion". In the Book of Numbers, Noa is one of the five daughters of Zelophehad who successfully argue for their right to inherit their father's land, a story often cited as an early example of women's legal rights. Although it sounds like Noah, it is a different name in Hebrew. Noa is very popular in Israel and has become common in Spain, the Netherlands and other European countries. In Hawaiian, noa is a word meaning free of taboo, a separate but pleasant connection. The name is short, soft and international.
Other spellings with the same sound: Noah.
Popularity over time
Noa first appears in US Social Security records in 1970. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 12 different years, starting in 2014. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #226, and its highest count, 1,348 babies. Use has grown 264% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #9,970 in 1980, #1,569 in 2000, #1,113 in 2010, and #226 in 2025. Of the 11,815 US girls named Noa since records began, 54% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 3,378 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Nyla, Antonella, Maisie, Cataleya, and Elianna.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Noa ranked highest in Hawaii, New York, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #130 | 7 |
| New York | #142 | 115 |
| California | #154 | 199 |
| Alaska | #161 | 5 |
| Colorado | #163 | 36 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 85% of US babies named Noa over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Noa is usually pronounced NOH-uh, with two syllables. It has three letters, starts with N and ends in “-oa”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Noah.
Middle names for Noa
A few middle names that flow with Noa: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Noa
Similar names
Lia Girl
LEE-uh
“short form of names like Amelia” · Italian
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Sarai Girl
suh-RY
“my princess” · Hebrew
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Hanna Girl
HA-nuh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
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Mara Girl
MAHR-uh
“bitter” · Hebrew
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Rivka Girl
RIHV-kuh
“to tie, to bind” · Hebrew
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Anaiah Girl
uh-NY-uh
“Yahweh has answered” · Hebrew
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Hannah Girl
HA-nuh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
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Leah Girl
LEE-uh
“weary” · Hebrew
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Anna Girl
AN-uh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
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Eva Girl
EE-vuh
“life” · Latin
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Mary Girl
MEH-ree
“uncertain; often said bitter or beloved” · Hebrew
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Eden Girl
EE-duhn
“delight” · Hebrew
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Lists that include Noa
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Noa mean?
Noa is a Hebrew name that means “movement, motion”.
What is the origin of the name Noa?
Noa has Hebrew roots. Noa is a Hebrew name usually translated "movement" or "motion".
Is Noa a popular name?
Yes. Noa ranked #226 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Noa a boy or girl name?
Noa is mainly a girl's name. About 85% of US babies named Noa over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Noa?
Noa is usually pronounced NOH-uh. 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