Baby Names That Start With N: 30 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
N names are soft and gentle, with a hum that makes them easy to say. This list gathers 30 names that start with N, from classics like Naomi and Nicholas to rarer picks like Niamh and Nehemiah, with the meaning, origin and a short note on each.
Reviewed
Where an origin is uncertain, as with Neil, Nigel and Neve, we say so. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (15)
- NadiaSlavic / Arabichope (Slavic); tender (Arabic)A name with two meanings.
- NadineFrenchhopeSoft and vintage.
- NalaSwahiligift, belovedKnown from 'The Lion King'.
- NaomiHebrewpleasantnessA biblical classic.
- NatalieLatinbirthday of the Lord (Christmas)Elegant and familiar.
- NellEnglisha short form of Eleanor or HelenPlain and vintage.
- NeveIrishradiant, bright (from Niamh)Short and modern.
- NiaWelsh / Swahilibright (Welsh); purpose (Swahili)Short and international.
- NiamhIrishradiance, brightnessA legendary Irish princess; pronounced NEEV.
- NicoleGreekvictory of the peopleA classic French form of Nicholas.
- NinaSpanish / Russianlittle girl (Spanish); a short form of names ending in -nina (Russian)Short and international.
- NoaHebrewmovement, motionModern and light.
- NoelleFrenchChristmasA winter-inspired name.
- NoraLatin / Irishhonour, lightVintage and loved.
- NylahArabic / Swahiliwinner, or one who achievesA modern variant of Nyla.
Boy names (15)
- NashEnglishby the ash treeShort and stylish.
- NasirArabichelper, victoriousUsed widely across the Muslim world.
- NathanHebrewhe gave, giftA classic with the nickname Nate.
- NathanielHebrewgift of GodA longer form of Nathan.
- NehemiahHebrewcomforted by YahwehA biblical name that is rare today.
- NeilIrish / Gaelicuncertain; often read as 'champion'Plain and friendly.
- NelsonEnglishson of NeilStrong, as in Nelson Mandela.
- NicholasGreekvictory of the peopleA saint's name with the nickname Nick.
- NicoGreekvictory of the people (short for Nicholas)Short and cool.
- NigelLatin / Irishuncertain; often linked to 'champion'Retro and distinctly British.
- NikolaiSlavicvictory of the peopleA Russian classic.
- NoahHebrewrest, comfortA top boys' name.
- NoelFrenchChristmasA festive name that is used for any gender.
- NolanIrishdescendant of the championA friendly Irish surname-name.
- NormanGermanicnorth manA vintage name with a strong, simple sound.
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How to choose
Many N names are about birth
Natalie, Noel, Noelle and Nathaniel have roots in Christmas and gifts. They are warm choices for a winter baby.
Irish N names
Niamh (pronounced NEEV) and Neve are Irish, meaning 'radiance' or 'bright'. Check the pronunciation before you choose.
Short and soft
Nell, Nia, Nico and Nash are short and easy for toddlers. They pair well with longer middle names.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with N?
Nora, Naomi and Nova are popular for girls, while Noah, Nolan and Nathan are popular for boys.
What are unique baby names that start with N?
Niamh, Nehemiah, Nikolai, Nigel and Nash are rarer but easy to pronounce.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with N?
Noel, Nash and Noa are used for any gender.
How do you pronounce Niamh?
Niamh is pronounced NEEV in Irish.
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