Noteworthy Last Names That Start With N

Surnames starting with N hold a surprising amount of history and variety. From the globally recognized Nguyen, deeply tied to Vietnamese culture, to Scandinavian staples like Nelson and Nielsen, these names span continents and centuries.

Whether you are tracing your genealogy, writing a character, or just curious about onomastics, this collection covers the origins and meanings behind these notable names. We have gathered common favorites, unique finds, and beautiful monikers to help you explore the legacy of the letter N.

34 Common Last Names That Start With N

Here are the most recognizable N surnames found in communities around the world.

1. Nagai: A Japanese surname derived from “naga” (eternity) and “i” (well), signifying long life.
2. Nagel: A German and Dutch occupational name for a nail maker or carpenter.
3. Nagy: The most frequent Hungarian surname, meaning “big” or “great,” often given to someone of large stature.
4. Naidu: A South Indian title derived from the Telugu word “nayudu,” meaning leader or lord.
5. Nakamura: A topographic Japanese name meaning “middle village,” found commonly throughout Japan.
6. Nascimento: A Portuguese religious surname meaning “birth,” honoring the nativity of Jesus.
7. Nash: An English topographic name for someone who lived “at the ash tree.”
8. Navarro: A Spanish habitational name for people from the Navarre region in northern Spain.
9. Neal: An Anglicized form of the Irish name Niall, meaning “cloud,” “passionate,” or “champion.”
10. Neely: A shortened variant of McNeilly, meaning “son of the poet” in Scottish heritage.
11. Neil: A variant of Neal, derived from the Gaelic Niall, associated with kings and heroes.
12. Nelson: A patronymic English surname meaning “son of Neil,” made famous by figures like Willie Nelson and Lord Nelson.
13. Neumann: The German and Jewish equivalent of Newman, referring to a newcomer to an area.
14. Newell: An English name derived from Neville, meaning “new town” in Norman French.
15. Newman: An Old English nickname given to a stranger or newcomer who had just moved to the village.
16. Newton: An English habitational name meaning “new town,” famous for physicist Sir Isaac Newton.
17. Nguyen: The most common Vietnamese surname, meaning “musical instrument” or “original,” born by historical dynasties.
18. Nicholas: A Greek name meaning “victory of the people,” often serving as both a first and last name.
19. Nichols: A patronymic English surname meaning “son of Nicholas.”
20. Nicholson: An English and Scottish name meaning “son of Nicol,” a variation of Nicholas.
21. Nicolov: A Slavic patronymic surname, primarily from Bulgaria, meaning “son of Nikola.”
22. Nielsen: A Scandinavian patronymic meaning “son of Niels,” common in Denmark and Norway.
23. Nix: A German and Dutch short form of Nikolas, or a variant of the Gaelic Mac Nioclais.
24. Noble: An English and Scottish nickname for someone who displayed high moral character or aristocratic bearing.
25. Nolan: An Irish surname derived from Ó Nualláin, meaning “descendant of the noble one.”
26. Norman: An English name referring to a “Northman,” denoting someone of Viking or Scandinavian descent.
27. Normand: A French regional name for someone from Normandy.
28. Norris: An English topographic name for a “northerner” or someone living at the north end of a village.
29. Norton: An Anglo-Saxon habitational name meaning “north town” or “north settlement.”
30. Novak: A Slavic name meaning “newcomer,” common in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
31. Nowak: The most common surname in Poland, derived from “nowy” (new).
32. Nuez: A Spanish surname meaning “nut” or “walnut,” referring to someone living near nut trees.
33. Nunez: A Spanish patronymic meaning “son of Nuño,” a name of uncertain origin possibly meaning “ninth.”
34. Nwafor: An Igbo surname from Nigeria meaning “son born on Afor,” a specific market day.

77 Unique Last Names Starting With N

These distinctive N surnames offer rare origins and interesting meanings.

1. Nabiyev: An Azerbaijani and Central Asian surname meaning “son of the prophet.”
2. Nacar: A Turkish name meaning “mother-of-pearl,” or a variant of Najjar (carpenter).
3. Naess: A Norwegian variant of Ness, referring to someone living on a headland or promontory.
4. Nagarkar: An Indian toponymic surname for someone from the town of Nagar in Maharashtra.
5. Naggi: An Italian surname from Lombardy, denoting someone from the town of Naggio.
6. Naiman: A Central Asian name referring to the Naiman tribe, meaning “eight” in Mongolian.
7. Nair: An Indian hereditary title from the Kerala region, possibly meaning “leader” or “soldier.”
8. Nairi: An Armenian name derived from the ancient Nairi tribes of the Armenian Highlands.
9. Naismith: A Scottish occupational name for a nail maker or knifesmith.
10. Najjar: An Arabic surname meaning “carpenter” or “woodworker.”
11. Naka: A Japanese topographic name meaning “middle” or “inside.”
12. Nakano: A Japanese name meaning “central field,” found mostly in eastern Japan.
13. Nakasone: A Japanese name from Okinawa meaning “middle root.”
14. Nalder: An English topographic name for someone who lived “at the alder trees.”
15. Napton: An English habitational name from Napton in Warwickshire, meaning “hilltop settlement.”
16. Naqvi: An Arabic surname denoting a descendant of Ali al-Hadi, the tenth Imam of Shia Islam.
17. Narayan: An Indian name from Sanskrit, meaning “path of man,” associated with the god Vishnu.
18. Narroway: An English name possibly referring to a narrow road or path.
19. Nason: An English habitational name from Nailstone or a matronymic form of “Nan.”
20. Nathanson: A Jewish patronymic meaning “son of Nathan.”
21. Nayar: A variant of the Indian surname Nair, denoting a warrior class in Kerala.
22. Nebula: A modern, celestial-inspired surname evoking clouds of dust and gas in space.
23. Nectarine: A rare fruit-inspired surname symbolizing sweetness.
24. Needham: An English habitational name meaning “homestead in need” or “poor settlement.”
25. Neese: A variant of the Scottish/Irish name McNee, or “son of Naos.”
26. Nefarious: An edgy, word-name surname implying wickedness or villainy.
27. Neff: A German nickname meaning “nephew,” used to distinguish a relative.
28. Negrescu: A Romanian surname derived from “negru” (black), referring to hair or complexion.
29. Nelthropp: An English habitational name, likely from a lost village in Yorkshire.
30. Németh: A Hungarian surname meaning “German,” used to identify German immigrants.
31. Nesbitt: A Scottish habitational name from Nesbit, meaning “nose-shaped bend.”
32. Ness: A Scottish and Norwegian name for someone living on a headland or cape.
33. Nettles: A British surname for someone living near a patch of stinging nettles.
34. Nettleton: An English habitational name meaning “farmstead where nettles grow.”
35. Neubauer: A German status name for a peasant who had recently settled in a place.
36. Nevins: An Anglicized Irish surname meaning “little bone” or “holy one.”
37. New: An English nickname for a newcomer or someone young in spirit.
38. Newark: An English habitational name meaning “new fortification” or “new work.”
39. Newcombe: An English nickname for a “new arrival” or stranger.
40. Newkirk: A Scottish or Dutch name meaning “new church.”
41. Newland: An English topographic name for someone farming newly reclaimed land.
42. Newnham: An English habitational name meaning “new homestead.”
43. Newsome: An English surname meaning “at the new houses.”
44. Ngo: A Vietnamese variation of the Chinese surname Wu.
45. Nibhanupudi: A Telugu Brahmin surname from the Andhra Pradesh region of India.
46. Nickerson: An English patronymic meaning “son of Nicholas.”
47. Nickleby: A literary surname created by Charles Dickens, likely invented for the character.
48. Nieves: A Spanish surname meaning “snows,” honoring distinct shrines of the Virgin Mary.
49. Nighthawk: A fierce, avian-inspired surname suggesting vigilance.
50. Nightshade: A botanical surname referencing the mysterious, often poisonous plant family.
51. Nijhoff: A Dutch surname meaning “new farmstead” or “new court.”
52. Nikolov: A Bulgarian patronymic surname meaning “son of Nikola.”
53. Nimbkar: A Marathi surname from India, linked to the Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute family.
54. Nissinen: A Finnish surname derived from Nissi (Nicholas), meaning “victory.”
55. Njoku: An Igbo surname referring to the guardian deity of yams.
56. Nock: An English topographic name for someone living at an oak tree.
57. Noe: A variant of Noah, meaning “rest” or “comfort.”
58. Noland: A variant of Nolan, meaning “noble” or “famous.”
59. Norcott: An English habitational name meaning “north cottage.”
60. Nordberg: A Swedish and Norwegian name meaning “north mountain.”
61. Nordstrom: A Swedish ornamental name meaning “north stream.”
62. Northman: An English name denoting a Viking or someone from the north.
63. Northrop: An English habitational name meaning “north farm” or “north village.”
64. Norwak: A rare variant possibly derived from “Northwick” or Slavic roots.
65. Nostromo: A literary name meaning “our man” in Italian, popularized by Joseph Conrad.
66. Nota: A Japanese surname meaning “field of huge rice plants.”
67. Nowell: An English variant of Noel, given to someone born at Christmas.
68. Nowicki: A Polish surname for someone from a place called Nowice, meaning “new.”
69. Nucci: An Italian patronymic or nickname derived from names like Antonucci.
70. Nugent: An Irish surname of Norman origin, from Nogent in France.
71. Nulty: An Irish surname meaning “son of the Ulsterman.”
72. Nunley: An English habitational name, possibly meaning “Nunna’s clearing.”
73. Nunn: An occupational name for someone working at a nunnery, or a nickname for a pious person.
74. Nurse: An occupational name for a wet nurse or foster parent.
75. Nutt: An English nickname for a person with a round head or a gathering of nuts.
76. Nutter: An English occupational name for a scribe (notary) or an ox-keeper.
77. Nygren: A Swedish ornamental name meaning “new branch.”

73 Beautiful Surnames Starting With N

This list features N surnames with elegant sounds and evocative imagery.

1. Nadeau: A French variation of Noel, often given to children born during Christmas.
2. Naderi: A Persian surname meaning “rare” or “exceptional.”
3. Naeem: An Arabic name meaning “bliss,” “happiness,” or “comfort.”
4. Nagasawa: A Japanese topographic name meaning “long swamp” or “long marsh.”
5. Nagpal: An Indian name from Sanskrit meaning “protector of serpents.”
6. Nairn: A Scottish habitational name from the burgh of Nairn, meaning “river of alders.”
7. Nance: A Cornish surname meaning “valley,” from the word “nans.”
8. Nanji: An Indian Gujarati name used by the Lohana and Bhatia communities.
9. Napier: An occupational surname for a keeper of linens and tablecloths (nappery).
10. Napolitano: An Italian surname for someone from Naples (Napoli).
11. Naranjo: A Spanish surname for someone who lived near an orange tree.
12. Nasim: An Arabic and Persian name meaning “breeze” or “fresh air.”
13. Nasir: An Arabic name meaning “helper” or “supporter.”
14. Natale: An Italian surname derived from the Latin “natalis,” meaning birthday (specifically Christmas).
15. Nathan: A Hebrew name meaning “he gave,” often referring to a gift from God.
16. Nation: A variant of Nathan or a name referring to a family’s place of origin.
17. Nauta: A Dutch occupational surname meaning “sailor” or “boatman.”
18. Nava: A Spanish and Italian name meaning “plain” or “plateau” near mountains.
19. Navarrete: A Spanish habitational name for someone from the Navarre region.
20. Naveed: A Persian name meaning “bearer of good news.”
21. Naz: A Persian surname meaning “coquetry,” “pride,” or “delicacy.”
22. Neary: An Irish surname meaning “modest” or “noble,” from Ó Náraidh.
23. Neave: An English and Scottish name, possibly from a diminutive of nephew.
24. Necchi: An Italian surname potentially derived from a nickname for someone who sold chestnut cakes (necci).
25. Nellis: An Irish surname meaning “son of Niall’s choice” or “son of the spirited one.”
26. Nelms: An English topographic name for someone living “at the elms.”
27. Neri: An Italian nickname for someone with black hair or a dark complexion.
28. Netherfield: An English habitational name meaning “lower field.”
29. Nevar: A Spanish surname possibly related to “nieve” (snow).
30. Nevarez: A Spanish surname indicating origin from Navarre.
31. Neville: A Norman French name meaning “new town” (Neuville).
32. Newberry: An English habitational name from Newbury, meaning “new borough.”
33. Newey: An English name meaning “at the new enclosure.”
34. Newhouse: An English habitational name for someone living in a newly built house.
35. Newport: An English surname for someone from a “new port” or market town.
36. Newstead: An English name meaning “new place” or “new site.”
37. Newbury: An English habitational name associated with the town in Berkshire.
38. Newby: A Northern English name meaning “new farmstead” or “new village.”
39. Nicchi: An Italian surname likely derived from “nicchio” (seashell).
40. Nickel: A German nickname derived from Nikolaus.
41. Nighthaven: A modern invented surname suggesting safety in the dark.
42. Nightingale: An English nickname for a sweet singer, referring to the bird.
43. Niles: A cool patronymic meaning “son of Neil.”
44. Nino: A Spanish nickname meaning “child” or “boy.”
45. Nishimura: A Japanese surname meaning “western village.”
46. Nivalis: A Latin surname meaning “snowy” or “of the snow.”
47. Nkosi: A Zulu name meaning “king” or “lord,” often a praise name.
48. Nobleheart: A constructed surname implying bravery and virtue.
49. Nocentini: An Italian surname derived from “innocente,” meaning innocent.
50. Nocturne: An artistic surname referencing music or art inspired by the night.
51. Nogueira: A Portuguese name for someone living near a walnut tree.
52. Noir: A French nickname meaning “black,” often for someone with dark hair.
53. Nolasco: A Spanish surname honoring Saint Peter Nolasco.
54. Noll: A German short form of Oliver or Arnold.
55. Nolte: A German nickname for a clumsy or boisterous person.
56. Noonan: An Irish surname meaning “beloved” or “dear one.”
57. Norcliffe: An English topographic name meaning “north cliff.”
58. Nordqvist: A Swedish ornamental name meaning “north twig” or “north branch.”
59. Norén: A Swedish name derived from “norr” (north).
60. North: An English topographic name for a newcomer from the north.
61. Northcote: An English habitational name meaning “north cottage.”
62. Northcutt: A variant of Northcote, meaning “dweller at the north cottage.”
63. Northstar: An evocative surname referencing Polaris, the guiding star.
64. Northward: A directional surname implying movement toward the north.
65. Norwood: An English habitational name meaning “north wood.”
66. Nott: An English nickname for someone with a cropped head or baldness.
67. Nottingham: An English habitational name from the city of Nottingham.
68. Novotny: A Czech surname meaning “new” or “newcomer.”
69. Noyes: An English surname possibly derived from the French town of Noyers (walnut trees).
70. Nwankwo: An Igbo surname meaning “child born on Nkwo market day.”
71. Nye: An English topographic name for someone living “at the island” or river.
72. Nystrom: A Swedish ornamental name meaning “new river” or “new current.”
73. Nyx: A short surname referencing the Greek primordial goddess of the night.

Last Names That Start With N FAQs

What Is the Most Common Last Name Starting With N?

Nguyen is overwhelmingly the most common surname starting with N globally. It is the most frequent surname in Vietnam, held by approximately 40% of the population. Due to Vietnamese migration, it is also highly common in the United States, France, and Australia.

What Last Names Starting With N Are Common in the U.S.?

Aside from Nguyen, the United States has a high population of people named Nelson, Nichols, and Newton. You will also frequently see Norris, Neal, and Nash. Many of these names have English or Scotch-Irish roots that date back to early American colonial history.

Which Are the Shortest Surnames Starting With N?

The shortest N surnames typically have only three letters. Examples include Nix, Nye, New, and Ney. There are even rare two-letter surnames like Ng (common in Cantonese speakers) or No. These short names pack a punch and are often easy to spell and remember.

Are There Any Noble Surnames Starting With N?

Yes, several N surnames denote nobility or leadership. The surname Noble literally describes aristocratic character. Nolan comes from the Irish for “noble one,” and names like Knight (starts with K but sounds like N) or localized names like Neville (from “New Town”) were often held by landed gentry in England and France.