girl name · Latin origin
Nova
/ NOH-vuh /
Meaning
Nova means New (Latin).
Gender
Girl
Origin
Latin
Pronunciation
NOH-vuh
Popularity
#46 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Nova in the US, 1880–2025
Nova first appears in US records in 1885. It peaked in 2022, when 5,927 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 4,657.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Nova mean?
Nova comes from the Latin novus, “new.” In astronomy, a nova is a star that suddenly brightens.
Variants & spellings
- Novah
Names like Nova
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nova mean?
Nova means New. Nova comes from the Latin novus, “new.” In astronomy, a nova is a star that suddenly brightens.
What is the origin of the name Nova?
Nova is of Latin origin.
How do you pronounce Nova?
Nova is pronounced “NOH-vuh.”
Is Nova a boy or a girl name?
Nova is most commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Nova?
In 2025, Nova ranked #46 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Nova most popular?
Nova was most popular in 2022, when about 5,927 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.