Nova: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Nova mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Latin: New
Latin (Astronomical): A star showing a sudden large increase in brightness and then slowly returning to its original state

Gender: Unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Nova is pronounced noh-vuh

The name Nova, embodying freshness and new beginnings, has a distinctly modern flair linked to both an astronomical term and the Latin word for "new." It's a name that feels at once timeless and innovative, capturing the grandeur of the cosmos in a simple, approachable moniker.

Girl name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Asturian-Leonese and Spanish: habitational name from any of the towns called Nova in Albacete or Asturies.

Galician : literally "new", probably a habitational name from a place named Vila Nova.

Italian: meaning "new."

Nova in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Nova from Planet of the Apes - A human character known for her non-verbal communication and strong connection with the protagonist.
Nova Prescott from Prom - An overachieving high school senior, passionate about organizing the perfect prom.
Nova Prime from Guardians of the Galaxy - The leader of the Nova Corps, responsible for protecting the galaxy.
Nova from StarCraft - A powerful Terran ghost operative known for her psychic abilities.
Nova Artino from Renegades - A girl with the power to put people to sleep, seeking revenge against a group of superheroes.

Popularity of the Name Nova

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Nova has seen a remarkable surge in popularity over recent years. While specific ranking information for 2022 is not provided, the trend has been towards increasing popularity, indicating that it may have ascended further up the list of popular baby names in the US.

Nova, meaning "new" in Latin, carries with it connotations of innovation and freshness, appealing to parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name. Historically, the term has been associated with celestial phenomena, where a nova is a star that suddenly becomes thousands of times brighter and then gradually fades to its original intensity.

Noteworthy individuals with the name or variations thereof include Nova Peris, an Australian athlete and politician, and Nova Pilbeam, an English actress known for her work in the early 20th century. While there might not be as many well-known fictional characters named Nova, the name has been used for characters in comics and science fiction, further emphasizing its modern and innovative connotation. For instance, Nova is the name of a member of the intergalactic police force in Marvel Comics, and it appears in titles like Guardians of the Galaxy.