AHEAD: The ultimate list of N names for boys—plus their meanings and popularity.
If you’re looking for a cool boys’ name starting with the letter N, you’re in the right place!
Below, I’ve rounded up every single N name that’s even the slightest bit modern and cool.
For each name, you’ll find its meaning and current popularity—which will hopefully help you narrow down your list of favorites.
There are also a bunch of other great N names that are more rare (without being too out there).
Feel free to use the Table of Contents to jump to a specific style, or keep on scrolling and view all of these cool boys’ names starting with the letter N.
Related: Girl Names that Start With N
Table of Contents
Popular boy names that start with N
Kicking off our list of “N” names with some cool monikers that are popular in the United States right now. All of these are in the top 400.
Nash
- Name meaning: By the ash tree.
- Popularity: #233
Nathan
- Name meaning: He has given.
- Popularity: #59
Nathaniel or Nathanael
- Name meaning: He has given.
- Popularity: Nathaniel ranks #133 and Nathanael is #780.
Nicholas or Nicolas or Nikolas
- Name meaning: People of victory.
- Popularity: Nicholas ranks #92, Nicolas is #188, and Nikolas is #587.
Nico or Niko
- Name meaning: People of victory.
- Popularity: Nico ranks #259 and Niko is #291.
Noel
- Name meaning: Christmas.
- Popularity: #397
Nolan
- Name meaning: Noble or famous.
- Popularity: #60
If you like these popular boy names that start with N you’ll also like this list of southern names or these names for rainbow babies.
Gender-neutral “N” names
All of these N names would work for a boy or a girl.
Navy
- Name meaning: Dark blue. Branch of the military.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking for boys but ranks #452 for girls.
Noah
- Name meaning: Motion. Or rest.
- Popularity: For boys, Noah ranks #2. For girls, Noah ranks #692 and Noa is #330.
Noe
- Name meaning: Peaceful.
- Popularity: Noe ranks #800 for boys and isn’t ranking for girls.
Nova
- Name meaning: New. A star that suddenly and dramatically increases in brightness and then slowly returns to its original state.
- Popularity: Nova ranks #853 for boys and #32 for girls.
If you like these gender-neutral names that start with the letter N you’ll also like this list of nonbinary names or these outer space baby names.
Cool “N” names
These boys’ names starting with N are great if you want a baby name that’s slightly more rare.
Neil
- Name meaning: Several possible meanings such as cloud, passionate, victory, honour, or champion.
- Popularity: #719
Nelson
- Name meaning: Son of Neil.
- Popularity: #725
Neo
- Name meaning: New.
- Popularity: #980
Nero
- Name meaning: One of Rome’s most infamous emperors.
- Popularity: This unique boys’ name isn’t ranking.
Newton
- Name meaning: New town.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Nile or Niall or Niles
- Name meaning: Champion. The longest river in Africa.
- Popularity: None of these names are ranking.
Nixon
- Name meaning: Son of Nicholas.
- Popularity: #695
Noble
- Name meaning: Aristocratic.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Novi
- Name meaning: New.
- Popularity: This cute city-inspired boys’ name isn’t ranking.
If you like these cool boy names that start with N you’ll also like this list of edgy names.
Global “N” names
This next batch of boys’ M names comes from across the globe.
Napoleon
- Name meaning: A French military leader and emperor.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Nasir
- Name meaning: Helper.
- Popularity: #356
Nehemiah
- Name meaning: God comforts.
- Popularity: #410
Niklaus
- Name meaning: People of victory.
- Popularity: #839
Nikolai
- Name meaning: Russian version of Nicholas, meaning people of victory.
- Popularity: #480
If you like these global boy names that start with M you may also like this list of French boy names.
Final thoughts on “N” boy names
Hopefully, you’ve found a few lead contenders on this list, or at least come away with some baby name inspiration.
Whether you prefer a name that’s popular, gender-neutral, cool, or global, all of these boys’ names are fantastic choices.
Congratulations and good luck choosing the perfect name for your son!
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