Choosing the perfect name for your baby is a heartfelt decision filled with meaning, culture, and sometimes even tradition. In the United States, baby names often reflect a mix of heritage, modern trends, and individuality. Names beginning with the letter “N” offer a unique and versatile range of choices, from the classic and biblical to the trendy and uncommon. Whether you’re searching for a name that exudes strength, elegance, or creativity, this list of 60 American baby names starting with “N” offers a wealth of inspiration.
Baby Boy Names Starting With N
1. Noah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Rest, comfort
Noah has topped American baby name charts for years. It’s simple, biblical, and strong, with a gentle aura.
2. Nathan
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: He gave
Nathan is timeless and respectable, often chosen for its biblical roots and classic appeal.
3. Nolan
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Champion, descendant of Nuallán
This surname-turned-first-name is charming and sporty, often associated with leadership and charisma.
4. Nicholas
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Victory of the people
Nicholas is a dignified and traditional name, with many friendly nicknames like Nick and Nico.
5. Nathaniel
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Gift of God
Elegant and intellectual, Nathaniel carries a formal flair but has casual nicknames like Nate.
6. Nash
Origin: English
Meaning: By the ash tree
Nash has a modern and edgy vibe, perfect for parents looking for a name that’s sleek and cool.
7. Nico
Origin: Italian/Greek
Meaning: Victory of the people
Short and sweet, Nico has become a favorite among trendy American parents seeking a European twist.
8. Noel
Origin: French
Meaning: Christmas
A festive and graceful name, Noel is particularly popular among children born in December.
9. Nehemiah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Comforted by God
This biblical name has seen a resurgence, offering a rare but historical option.
10. Nelson
Origin: English
Meaning: Son of Neil
This name carries presidential and historical weight, famously associated with Nelson Mandela.
11. Nixon
Origin: English
Meaning: Son of Nick
Although politically charged, Nixon has emerged as a modern name with a bold sound.
12. Niko
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: Victory of the people
A variation of Nico, Niko brings in a multicultural flair while remaining catchy and modern.
13. Nikolas
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Victory of the people
A unique spelling of Nicholas, Nikolas offers the same roots but with a twist.
14. Nazir
Origin: Arabic/Hebrew
Meaning: Devoted, pure
Nazir is a meaningful and culturally rich name that resonates with spiritual significance.
15. Noble
Origin: English
Meaning: Aristocratic
This virtue name is rare but dignified, evoking images of honor and class.
16. North
Origin: English
Meaning: Directional name
Popularized by celebrity culture, North is striking, minimalistic, and bold.
17. Neo
Origin: Greek
Meaning: New
Thanks to The Matrix franchise, Neo feels futuristic and powerful.
18. Norris
Origin: French/English
Meaning: Northerner
Norris is vintage and rugged, often linked to strength and resilience.
19. Niklaus
Origin: German
Meaning: Victory of the people
This variation on Nicholas has become more common due to pop culture, especially vampire-themed TV shows.
20. Nathanael
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God has given
An alternate biblical spelling of Nathaniel, it’s a distinguished and poetic name.
Baby Girl Names Starting With N
21. Nora
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Honor
Nora is sweet, simple, and highly favored for its timeless charm.
22. Natalie
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Birthday of the Lord
Often associated with Christmas, Natalie is graceful, elegant, and widely loved.
23. Naomi
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Pleasantness
Naomi strikes a balance between traditional and trendy, with strong biblical roots.
24. Nova
Origin: Latin
Meaning: New
Nova is modern and celestial, symbolizing rebirth and cosmic energy.
25. Nia
Origin: Swahili/Welsh
Meaning: Purpose; Bright
Nia is short, meaningful, and culturally rich with roots in African-American naming traditions.
26. Noelle
Origin: French
Meaning: Christmas
The feminine form of Noel, Noelle is melodic and festive.
27. Nylah
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Winner
Nylah is modern, rhythmic, and increasingly popular in African-American communities.
28. Nadia
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: Hope
Nadia is elegant and international, appealing across cultures.
29. Nevaeh
Origin: American
Meaning: Heaven spelled backward
A modern creation, Nevaeh remains a unique and sentimental name for many parents.
30. Nyla
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Attainer, achiever
Soft and sweet, Nyla combines grace with strength.
31. Nori
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Belief; Tradition
Minimalist and chic, Nori has been boosted by celebrity culture and has Japanese origins.
32. Nalani
Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: The heavens, calm skies
Nalani is lyrical and nature-inspired, perfect for parents seeking a peaceful and beautiful name.
33. Nina
Origin: Spanish/Slavic
Meaning: Little girl; Dreamer
Nina is playful, global, and full of warmth.
34. Noor
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Light
Noor is elegant and spiritual, celebrated in many Islamic cultures and growing in American popularity.
35. Norah
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Honor
A variant of Nora, Norah has a traditional feel and gentle resonance.
36. Nyomi
Origin: American/Modern
Meaning: Modern variation of Naomi
A phonetic twist on Naomi, Nyomi offers flair while keeping the name’s positive meaning.
37. Nikita
Origin: Russian
Meaning: Unconquered
Nikita is strong and bold, historically masculine in Russian but used for girls in America.
38. Novalee
Origin: American
Meaning: New field
This compound name is romantic and nature-inspired, often considered a modern classic.
39. Navy
Origin: English
Meaning: Military branch; deep blue color
Colorful and edgy, Navy stands out as a fashionable name for girls.
40. Nalani
Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: The heavens
A name filled with beauty and tranquility, often used in the American Southwest and Hawaii.
Gender-Neutral Baby Names Starting With N
41. Noel
Origin: French
Meaning: Christmas
Used for both boys and girls, Noel is a versatile and harmonious name.
42. Nico
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Victory of the people
Trendy and flexible, Nico works seamlessly for all genders.
43. North
Origin: English
Meaning: Directional name
This modern directional name fits equally well for boys and girls.
44. Nova
Origin: Latin
Meaning: New
A celestial and radiant name, Nova is embraced by all genders.
45. Nuri
Origin: Hebrew/Arabic
Meaning: My light; fiery
Short and profound, Nuri brings cultural depth and emotional resonance.
46. Nile
Origin: English
Meaning: River name
Inspired by the Nile River, this name flows effortlessly and works for any gender.
47. Nyx
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Night
Rare and mythological, Nyx is mysterious and powerful.
48. Nirvana
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Ultimate bliss, enlightenment
This spiritual name is philosophical and gender-fluid.
49. Navy
Origin: English
Meaning: Deep blue color; military branch
Modern and bold, Navy is popular among creative parents.
50. Neptune
Origin: Roman
Meaning: God of the sea
Celestial and mythical, Neptune carries cosmic gravitas and is suitable for all.
Unique and Rare Baby Names Starting With N
51. Nyree
Origin: Maori
Meaning: Flaxen or white
This unique name from New Zealand is lyrical and rare in the U.S.
52. Nakoa
Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: Brave one
Strong and bold, Nakoa has a warrior-like energy and island vibes.
53. Nirel
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God’s field
Rare and poetic, Nirel suits parents seeking biblical inspiration with a twist.
54. Naida
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Water nymph
Mythical and whimsical, Naida evokes natural beauty and mystery.
55. Niven
Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: Little saint
Niven is spiritual and distinct, with a peaceful connotation.
56. Nysa
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Goal or ambition
Modern and sleek, Nysa is a standout name with a motivational meaning.
57. Nox
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Night
Short, sharp, and darkly elegant, Nox is rising in edgy baby name circles.
58. Nahlia
Origin: Variant of Natalia
Meaning: Birthday of the Lord
A creative twist on a classic, Nahlia adds uniqueness to a familiar sound.
59. Novara
Origin: Italian
Meaning: New
Inspired by an Italian city, Novara sounds fashionable and continental.
60. Nirali
Origin: Indian
Meaning: Unique
An Indian name adopted into global baby name trends, Nirali truly means one of a kind.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a name steeped in tradition, one that’s culturally rich, or something sleek and modern, names starting with “N” provide a wide range of beautiful and meaningful options. From biblical stalwarts like Noah and Naomi to celestial wonders like Nova and Neptune, the letter “N” continues to offer diverse inspiration to American parents. As naming trends evolve, N-names remain timeless yet contemporary, making them a stellar choice for any new arrival.
Choosing the right name is more than picking a sound you love—it’s about envisioning your child’s future, identity, and the legacy they’ll carry. Hopefully, this list has helped spark some ideas and brought you closer to finding that perfect name beginning with N.
