Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Nova
GirlLatin· “new”
- Meaning
- new
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- NOH-vuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #46
- US babies 2025
- 4,657
- Best rank
- #32 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Nova
Nova is a Latin name that means “new”.
Nova is the feminine form of the Latin novus, "new." Astronomers use the word for a star that suddenly flares up and becomes much brighter for a time, from the Latin phrase stella nova, "new star." That celestial image is much of the name's appeal today. Nova was used occasionally as a given name in earlier generations, but it has recently risen quickly alongside other space-inspired names like Luna, Stella and Aurora. It is short, bright and modern, easy to spell in many languages, and it pairs well with longer, more traditional middle names. Its meaning suits the arrival of a new child.
Popularity over time
Nova first appears in US Social Security records in 1885. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 67 different years, starting in 1885. Its best national rank was #32 in 2021, and the most babies received it in 2022, when 5,927 were named Nova. In 2025, 4,657 babies were named Nova, and it ranked #46 nationally. That is 205% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #693 in 1920, #1,787 in 1950, #1,716 in 1980, #2,362 in 2000, #1,129 in 2010, and #46 in 2025. Of the 55,783 US girls named Nova since records began, 57% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 18,057 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Willow, Emilia, Leilani, Athena, and Luna.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nova ranked highest in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Delaware.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #9 | 65 |
| Louisiana | #12 | 104 |
| Delaware | #16 | 21 |
| Arkansas | #18 | 62 |
| Georgia | #19 | 212 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 95% of US babies named Nova over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Nova is usually pronounced NOH-vuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with N and ends in “-va”.
Middle names for Nova
A few middle names that flow with Nova: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nova
Similar names
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Lists that include Nova
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nova mean?
Nova is a Latin name that means “new”.
What is the origin of the name Nova?
Nova has Latin roots. Nova is the feminine form of the Latin novus, "new." Astronomers use the word for a star that suddenly flares up and becomes much brighter for a time, from the Latin phrase stella nova, "new star." That celestial image is much of the name's appeal today.
Is Nova a popular name?
Yes. Nova ranked #46 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Nova a boy or girl name?
Nova is mainly a girl's name. About 95% of US babies named Nova over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Nova?
Nova is usually pronounced NOH-vuh. 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