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MyGall Girl Names Latin Nova
Girl

Nova

Nova Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

NOH-vah

Meaning of Nova: Nova derives from the Latin adjective novus, meaning new. In astronomy, a nova (plural novae) describes a binary star system in which one star undergoes a thermonuclear explosion on its surface, temporarily increasing in brightness by up to a million times.

US Rank 2024
No. 39
Births
5,044
Peak Year
2021
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The astronomical term dates to the 16th century, when Tycho Brahe documented such an event in 1572 and called it stella nova—new star.

As a given name, Nova appears in Swedish and Finnish records from the 19th century, where it was used in Scandinavia alongside other astronomical names.

What Does Nova Mean? Origin & Etymology

According to etymology records, it may also have been used as a short form of names containing the element “nov” in Slavic traditions. English-language adoption came much later, accelerating in the 21st century alongside other space-themed names.

According to SSA records, Nova entered the US top 200 in 2015 and rose rapidly—reaching rank 100 by 2017, rank 43 by 2020, and peaking at rank 32 in 2021.

As of 2024, Nova ranks #39 for girls with 5,044 registered births. Its rapid ascent mirrors the broader American trend toward astronomical and nature-inspired names for girls.

Nova sits in a cluster of cosmic girls’ names that surged together in the 2010s: Luna (#13), Stella (#49), Aurora (#44), and Lyra (outside the top 100).

Notably, the long-running PBS science documentary series Nova (first broadcast 1974) kept the word familiar to educated American parents across decades, contributing to its naming appeal.

Variants and related names include Novah (phonetic spelling), Novia (Spanish, meaning girlfriend), and the masculine Novak (Slavic surname meaning newcomer). In Italian and Spanish, nueva/nuova (feminine of new) are semantically equivalent but phonetically different. Nova is used in both Swedish and English-speaking countries with equal confidence.

How Popular Is Nova?

Numerology & Symbolism of Nova

Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.

N(5) + O(6) + V(4) + A(1) = 16 = 7
Destiny number
7
Wisdom
Sum of all letters, reduced to a single digit
Soul urge
7
Understanding
Sum of vowels only - reveals inner desires
Expression
9
Generosity
Sum of consonants - how others perceive you
Letters 4
Vowels / consonants 2 / 2
Birthstone Amethyst
Lucky color Violet
1 Leadership Independent, driven, original — the initiator who forges new paths.
2 Harmony Diplomatic and cooperative, thriving through partnership and balance.
3 Expression Creative and communicative, bringing joy through art and words.
4 Stability Disciplined and dependable, building lasting structures through hard work.
5 Freedom Adventurous and adaptable, drawn to change, travel, and new experiences.
6 Nurturing Caring and responsible, focused on home, family, and community.
7 Wisdom Analytical and introspective, seeking truth through study and reflection.
8 Ambition Authoritative and goal-oriented, excelling in business and material achievement.
9 Compassion Humanitarian and idealistic, driven by a desire to serve and uplift others.
11 Intuition Master number: heightened sensitivity and spiritual insight beyond the ordinary.
22 Master Builder Master number: visionary practicality that turns ambitious dreams into reality.
33 Master Teacher Master number: selfless guidance and healing offered for the good of all.

Nova – Similar Names & Alternatives

Olivia
From Latin “oliva” (olive), meaning olive tree; a symbol of…
Ava
From Latin “avis” meaning bird, from Proto-Indo-European…
Camila
From Latin “camillus” meaning young attendant at a…
Luna
From Latin “luna” meaning moon; name of the Roman moon…
Violet
From Latin “viola” meaning the violet flower (Viola…
Aurora
From Latin “ausrora” meaning dawn; name of the Roman…
Grace
From Latin “gratia” meaning favor, goodwill, or divine…
Emilia
From Latin “Aemilius” meaning rival or eager, from one of…
Valentina
From Latin “valens” meaning strong, healthy, or vigorous;…
Victoria
From Latin “victoria” meaning victory, from “vincere” (to…
Stella
From Latin “stella” meaning star, from Proto-Indo-European…
Lillian
lily

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nova

What does the name Nova mean?

Nova means new, from the Latin novus. In astronomy, a nova is a star that temporarily increases in brightness by up to a million times due to thermonuclear explosion—a dramatic natural event that lends the name both ancient Latin roots and a modern cosmic character.

Where does the name Nova come from?

Nova comes from Latin via astronomy. The term stella nova (new star) was coined by Tycho Brahe in 1572. As a given name, Nova appeared in Scandinavian records from the 19th century and entered widespread US use in the 2010s alongside other space-themed names.

How popular is Nova in the US?

Nova ranks #39 for girls in the US in 2024, according to SSA records, with 5,044 registered births. It peaked at rank #32 in 2021. It entered the top 200 in 2015 and reached the top 50 by 2020—one of the fastest-rising girls’ names of the decade.

What are variants of Nova?

Variants include Novah (phonetic spelling used in the US). The Spanish word novia (girlfriend) is phonetically similar but unrelated. The masculine Slavic Novak (newcomer) shares the Latin root. Nova is used identically in Swedish and English contexts.

Is Nova a trendy or classic name?

Nova is a modern trend name that entered the US top 100 only in 2017. However, its Latin root novus gives it ancient credentials, and its astronomical meaning has scientific gravitas. It clusters with other space-themed girls’ names like Luna, Stella, and Aurora.

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Explore More Names Like Nova

Girl Names Latin Names Starting with N Popular Names
Linda Hartmann

About the Author

Linda Hartmann

Editor-in-Chief, MyGall

Over 12 years of editorial experience in American parenting media. Currently a PhD candidate researching naming trends in US cultural history. Mother of two, based in Austin, Texas. Leads MyGall’s editorial standards and SSA data verification.

  • PhD candidate in American cultural studies
  • Based in Austin, Texas
  • Mother of two
Girl Latin 2 syllables From Latin “novus” meaning new

Nova – Name Variants & Spellings

Variant Language
Novah English variant
Novia Spanish (girlfriend)
Noova Spelling variant

Nova – Popularity by US State

AK No. 80 AL No. 16 AR No. 27 AZ No. 40 CA No. 78 CO No. 48 CT No. 74 DC No. 55 DE No. 16 FL No. 33 GA No. 11 HI No. 41 IA No. 26 ID No. 52 IL No. 51 IN No. 22 KS No. 53 KY No. 20 LA No. 13 MA No. 150 MD No. 42 ME No. 39 MI No. 19 MN No. 68 MO No. 21 MS No. 10 MT No. 59 NC No. 14 ND No. 31 NE No. 38 NH No. 75 NJ No. 76 NM No. 32 NV No. 62 NY No. 56 OH No. 22 OK No. 18 OR No. 74 PA No. 41 RI No. 63 SC No. 13 SD No. 49 TN No. 21 TX No. 50 UT No. 84 VA No. 42 VT No. 77 WA No. 53 WI No. 18 WV No. 39 WY No. 19

Quick Stats

US Rank
No. 39
Births (SSA)
5,044
Peak Year
2021

More Latin Girl Names

  • Olivia #1
  • Ava #9
  • Camila #11
  • Luna #13
  • Violet #15
  • Aurora #16
  • Grace #40
  • Emilia #43
  • Valentina #47
  • Victoria #48

Names Starting With N

  • Nora #22
  • Naomi #44
  • Natalie #73
  • Natalia #105
  • Nevaeh #133

Rare Gems Like Nova

  • Priscilla
  • Maren
  • April
  • Amoura
  • Siena
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Top Girl Names

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  • No. 2 Emma
  • No. 3 Amelia
  • No. 4 Charlotte
  • No. 5 Mia
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  • No. 7 Isabella
  • No. 8 Evelyn
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  • No. 1 Liam
  • No. 2 Noah
  • No. 3 Oliver
  • No. 4 Theodore
  • No. 5 James
  • No. 6 Henry
  • No. 7 Mateo
  • No. 8 Elijah
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  • English 672
  • Hebrew 252
  • Latin 232
  • Greek 191
  • Spanish 167
  • Germanic 157
  • French 145
  • Italian 89
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