Nova
How to say it: NOH-vuh · /ˈnoʊvə/
From Latin 'novus' meaning new; in astronomy, a star showing a sudden brightness increase. source 1
Nova was the 54th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 4,657 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are up 3.0-fold in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #43 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #54 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 4,657 |
| Share of births | 1 in 675 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | ×3.0 |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #43 |
| In France, 2025 | #625 among girls’ names, 65 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Climbing steadily, Nova found its best years in the 2020s. It remains at its peak with further growth expected soon.
What goes with it
Soft and breathy with a creative spark, Nova feels bright with sky and light. Luna makes a natural companion.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Nova is about 1 in 29.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Danish, English, Finnish, French, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish.
In France: #625 for girls in 2025.
England and Wales: #68. Ireland: #183.
Famous people named Nova
- Nova Peris (born 1971)Australian politician, hockey player and sprinter
- Nova Pilbeam (1919–2015)British actress
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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