Historically, the name derives from the Latin word for “new,” symbolizing fresh beginnings and bright futures. It also carries a lovely connection to the Hopi culture, where it is associated with the poetic imagery of chasing butterflies. Whether you view it as a space-age moniker or a nature-inspired gem, Nova offers a vibrant alternative to the more traditional names in the top ten.
Verdict: Nova is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It sits in the “Goldilocks” zone of popularity, universally recognized and easy to spell, yet it still retains a spark of unique, futuristic cool that sets it apart from the sea of Avas and Emmas.
Nova Overview
- Meaning: The name Nova means “new” in Latin or “chaser of butterflies” in the native language of the Hopi people of the American Southwest.
- Gender: Nova is typically a girl’s name, but is sometimes also used for boys.
- Origin: Nova has been around as a word in both Latin and the Hopi language for hundreds of years, but was only first used as a name beginning in the 19th Century.
- Pronunciation: You pronounce the nameNova as “NO-va.”
- Popularity: The name Nova first appeared in the 1800s but did not gain in popularity until the 2010s and 2020s. Today it is the 38th most popular name for girls and 757th for boys.
- Nicknames: No, Nono, Noves, Novi, Va.
- Variations: Noova (Finnish), Novah (Latin), Novalee (English), Novva (Latin), Novvah (Latin), Novus (Latin).
- Namesakes: Nova (fictional character from “Planet of the Apes”), Nova Skipp(English actress).
What Does Nova Mean?
The name Nova is rich with definitions that span from ancient languages to the far reaches of the galaxy.
Etymologically, the name stems directly from the feminine form of the Latin word novus, which simply means “new.” This imbues the name with a sense of freshness, innovation, and beginnings, making it a poetic choice for a firstborn child or a “rainbow baby” marking a new chapter for a family.
There is also a widely cited definition rooted in the American Southwest. In the Hopi language, Nova is associated with the phrase “chasing butterflies” or “chaser of butterflies.” This gives the name a playful, earthly tether to nature to balance its cosmic weight.
Finally, the most common association is related to astronomy. In science, a “nova” is a transient astronomical event that causes the sudden appearance of a bright, apparently “new” star that slowly fades over weeks or months. It represents blinding brilliance and energy.
Where Does the Name Nova Come From?
Nova has its origins in the Latin language. While the word has existed for millennia, its usage as a given name is relatively modern in the grand scope of history.
It was not a common name in Biblical times or the Middle Ages. Instead, it emerged as a given name in the 19th Century, likely during the Victorian era’s fascination with celestial bodies and scientific discovery. It functioned somewhat like the names “Stella” (Star) or “Luna” (Moon), though it was much rarer at the time.
How Popular is the Name Nova?
Nova is what name experts call a “meteor” or “rocket ship” name. If you look at US Social Security Administration data, the name was moderately used in the early 1900s before vanishing almost entirely from the charts for decades.
However, starting around 2011, Nova made a spectacular comeback. It didn’t just slowly climb the ladder; it skyrocketed. It broke into the top 100 in 2017 and has continued to rise toward the top 30 (1).
In 2025, Nova is firmly established as a modern hit. It is no longer an obscure choice but a defining name of this generation, beloved for its similarities to other vowel-heavy favorites like Ava and Noah.
How Do I Pronounce Nova?
The pronunciation is straightforward and phonetic, which is part of its international appeal. It is spoken as “NO-va.”
The emphasis is placed heavily on the first syllable. The “o” is long (as in “go”), and the “a” is a soft schwa sound (as in “uh”).
Is Nova a Boy or Girl Name?
Nova is technically a unisex name, though usage leans heavily toward girls. Because it ends in the letter “a,” which is a traditional feminine marker in Romance languages (like Maria or Julia), parents predominantly choose it for daughters.
However, the “o” sound also connects it to trendy soft-masculine names like Noah, Luca, and Koa. As such, it is used for boys, though it ranks much lower on the charts for males than for females.
Variations of Nova
While Nova is the standard spelling, parents looking to differentiate their child’s name often look to international variations or creative spellings.
- Novah: A common English variation adding the “h” suffix (similar to Norah or Sarah).
- Noova: A variation found in Finnish contexts.
- Novus: The original masculine Latin root.
- Nåva: A Scandinavian-influenced spelling (rare).
- Novalee: An elaboration of the name, popularized by the book and film Where the Heart Is.
Nicknames for Nova
Nova is short enough that it doesn’t strictly require a nickname, but affectionate diminishments are always fun. Here are some options, ranging from obvious to creative:
- Noie: A sweet, vintage-sounding clipped version.
- Vee: Taking the strong “V” sound from the middle.
- Nono: A cute repetition often used for babies.
- Supernova: A playful, “creative” nickname for a child with a big personality.
- Vavá: A spirited option with a bit of flair.
Names Similar to Nova
If you love the vibe of Nova but aren’t fully committed, consider these names that share its celestial meaning, short structure, or modern popularity.
- Luna: Like Nova, this is a top-tier celestial name of Latin origin meaning “moon.”
- Stella: Literally meaning “star,” it shares the space theme but feels slightly more vintage.
- Nora: Shares 75% of the letters but feels more traditional and grounded.
- Ava: A massive hit that shares the ending sound and brevity of Nova.
- Lyra: A constellation name that is slightly more rare than Nova.
- Nyla: Similar in sound but with Arabic and Sanskrit roots.
- Orion: A star-based name that leans more masculine but has a similar “O” heavy sound.
- Vega: Another star name, but with a sharper consonant sound.
Middle Names for Nova
Because Nova is a two-syllable name ending in a vowel, it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of middle names. We have categorized these to help you find your specific style.
Classic & Timeless
These names ground the modern feel of Nova with traditional roots.
Celestial & Nature-Inspired
Lean into the “chasing butterflies” or “star” meaning with these boho pairings.
Short & Punchy
One-syllable middle names create a rhythmic, energetic full name.
Sibling Names for Nova
Building a sibset around Nova means looking for names that are current, slightly adventurous, and phonetically pleasing.
For a Brother
- Leo: A celestial connection (the Lion constellation) that is short and strong.
- Atlas: Mythological and worldly, matching Nova’s grandeur.
- Arlo: Shares the trendy “O” ending but feels down-to-earth.
- Jasper: A nature name that feels just as cool and modern.
- Phoenix: Another name symbolizing rebirth and fire.
- Ezra: Biblical but with a sharp, modern edge.
For a Sister
- Aurora: Meaning “dawn,” it pairs perfectly with the “newness” of Nova.
- Hazel: A vintage name that has made a similar comeback.
- Isla: Vowel-heavy, Scottish, and incredibly popular.
- Aria: Short, musical, and ending in “a.”
- Willow: A nature name that is soft and whispering.
- Cleo: A Greek name that matches Nova’s spunky energy.
Famous People Named Nova
- Nova Pilbeam: A British actress famous for her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934).
- Nova Peris: A distinguished Australian athlete and politician, and the first Aboriginal Australian to win an Olympic gold medal.
- Nova Rockafeller: An American rapper and songwriter known for her alternative hip-hop style.
- Nova Meierhenrich: A well-known German television presenter and actress.
- Nova Miller: A Swedish pop singer known for her impressive vocal range.
Nova in Pop Culture
- Nova: The mute human woman in the classic Planet of the Apes franchise, representing innocence and raw humanity.
- Nova Corps: The intergalactic police force featured in Marvel Comics and the Guardians of the Galaxy films.
- Novalee Nation: The resilient protagonist of the best-selling book and movie Where the Heart Is, played by Natalie Portman.
- Nova: A character in the popular Sharknado film series.
- PBS Nova: While not a person, the long-running science television series has associated the name with intelligence and discovery for decades.
FAQs About the Name Nova
What Is a Nova in Astronomy?
A nova is an astronomical event that occurs when a star undergoes a process where an immense burst of energy causes its light to exponentially increase in brightness for a time before slowly returning to its original level of light.
Is It a Good Idea To Name a Boy or Girl Nova?
While Nova is not as commonly used for boys, it is a beautiful name that evokes connotations of the heavens and stars. It carries with it an energy of new beginnings, making it a perfect choice for a baby girl or boy.
Does Nova Have a Spanish Meaning?
This is a common question. In Spanish, “no va” (two words) translates to “doesn’t go.” This famously caused marketing issues for the Chevrolet Nova car in Latin America. However, as a name, it is distinct from the phrase and is generally recognized for its Latin and astronomical roots rather than the Spanish phrase.
Is the Name Nova Biblical?
No, the name Nova does not appear in the Bible. It is of Latin origin. However, it shares sound qualities with Biblical names like Noah and Jonah, which can make it feel compatible with religious middle names.
Is Nova Considered a Vintage Name?
Nova is considered a “vintage revival” name. It saw use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (the Victorian and Edwardian eras) before falling out of fashion. Its current popularity is a revival of that older style, similar to names like Hazel, Olive, and Felix.
What Are Good Sibling Names for Nova?
Sibling names that pair well with Nova usually fall into two categories: Celestial/Nature names (Luna, Orion, River) or Modern Vintage names (Arlo, Milo, Hazel, Ruby). You generally want to avoid long, formal names (like Maximilian or Elizabeth) as first names, as they can overpower the short, punchy nature of Nova.
Can Nova Be a Short Form for Other Names?
Yes, while Nova acts as a standalone name, some parents use it as a nickname for longer names such as Novalee, Novella, Supernova, or even Casanova (for boys), though the standalone version is significantly more popular.
