AHEAD: The ultimate list of N names for baby girls… and which could go viral in 2025.
If you’re looking for beautiful girl names that start with N, you’re in the right place!
I’ve rounded up every single “N” name that’s even the slightest bit modern and cool.
Below you’ll find over 60 names, their meanings, and current popularities.
You’ll also find a shortlist of N names poised to go viral in 2025.
Related: Boy Names that Start with N
“N” names trending in 2025
These girls’ names starting with N are climbing the charts right now, each making notable gains since last year.
Nataly
- Name meaning: Birthday.
- Popularity: #931 (↑76)
Navy 🔥
- Name meaning: Dark blue. Branch of the military.
- Popularity: #363 (↑120)
Nellie 🔥
- Name meaning: Light.
- Popularity: #611 (↑53)
Noelle
- Name meaning: Christmas.
- Popularity: #206 (↑5)
Noemi
- Name meaning: Pleasantness.
- Popularity: #574 (↑72)
Nori
- Name meaning: Seaweed.
- Popularity: #900 (↑32)
Novalee
- Name meaning: Invented name. New + shelter.
- Popularity: #766 (↑53)
Nyomi 🔥
- Name meaning: Pleasantness.
- Popularity: #811 (↑111)
More on 2025 viral predictions in just a bit.
Popular “N” names
The primary spellings of these modern girl names starting with N are ranked in the top 1000.
Naomi or Noemi
- Name meaning: Pleasantness.
- Popularity: Naomi ranks #44, Noemi ranks #574, and Nyomi ranks #811.
Natalia
- Name meaning: Birthday or Christmas day.
- Popularity: Natalia ranks #95 and Nathalia isn’t ranking.
Natalie or Nataly
- Name meaning: Birthday or Christmas day.
- Popularity: Natalie ranks #63 and Nataly ranks #931.
Nina
- Name meaning: Little girl.
- Popularity: #338
Noa or Noah
- Name meaning: Motion. Or rest.
- Popularity: The gender-neutral name Noa ranks #298 and Noah ranks #640 for girls. (Noah ranks #2 for boys.)
Nora or Norah
- Name meaning: Light.
- Popularity: Nora ranks #25 and Norah ranks #201.
Nova or Novah
- Name meaning: New.
- Popularity: Nova ranks #35 and Novah ranks #704.
Nyla or Nylah
- Name meaning: Winner or champion.
- Popularity: Nyla ranks #250 and Nylah ranks #382.
Short girl names that start with N
These short names for girls are just 3 or 4 letters.
Nala
- Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
- Popularity: #846
Nara
- Name meaning: Happy.
- Popularity: This name ending in a isn’t ranking.
Nava
- Name meaning: Pleasant or beautiful.
- Popularity: This name meaning beautiful isn’t ranking.
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Naya
- Name meaning: Bright. Purpose.
- Popularity: #825
Neva
- Name meaning: Snow.
- Popularity: This winter baby name isn’t ranking.
Nia
- Name meaning: Bright. Purpose.
- Popularity: #642
Nila
- Name meaning: Dark blue.
- Popularity: This great mermaid name isn’t ranking.
Nira or Nyra
- Name meaning: Light. A symbolic name given to girls born on TuB’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees.
- Popularity: Nira isn’t ranking but Nyra ranks #976.
Niva
- Name meaning: Speech or expression.
- Popularity: This 4-letter name isn’t ranking.
Noe
- Name meaning: Peaceful.
- Popularity: This cute hippie name ranks #814 for boys but isn’t ranking for girls.
Nola
- Name meaning: White shoulder. Also the nickname of New Orleans.
- Popularity: #739
Noor
- Name meaning: Light.
- Popularity: #792
Novi
- Name meaning: New.
- Popularity: This two-syllable name isn’t ranking.
Timeless “N” names for girls
These girl names that start with N have been more popular in the past but aren’t out of style either.
Nadia
- Name meaning: Hope.
- Popularity: #489
Nadine
- Name meaning: Hope.
- Popularity: This 6-letter name hasn’t ranked since 2001.
Nancy
- Name meaning: Favored, pure, grace.
- Popularity: #942
Natasha
- Name meaning: Birthday.
- Popularity: #986
Neely or Neela
- Name meaning: Horn. Sapphire blue.
- Popularity: Neither version of this N name is ranking.
Nessa
- Name meaning: Pure or butterfly.
- Popularity: This N name isn’t ranking.
Nikki or Nicky
- Name meaning: Winner or champion.
- Popularity: Neither of these girl names that start with N is ranked.
Nicole
- Name meaning: People of victory.
- Popularity: #327
Nicolette
- Name meaning: People of victory.
- Popularity: This N name hasn’t ranked since 2006.
If you like these timeless baby girl names starting with N you’ll like these Victorian names.
Rare and unique “N” names for girls
These unique girl names that start with N are interesting and uncommon.
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Nairobi
- Name meaning: The capital of Kenya.
- Popularity: This three-syllable girls’ name isn’t ranking.
Nalani
- Name meaning: Calm skies. The heavens.
- Popularity: #590
Nalaya or Nalayah or Naleya
- Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
- Popularity: None of these girl names that start with N is ranked.
Nalia
- Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
- Popularity: This N name isn’t ranking.
Navi or Navie or Navia
- Name meaning: To name. New.
- Popularity: None of these girl names that start with N is ranked.
Nayana or Nayara
- Name meaning: Beautiful eyes.
- Popularity: Neither of these exotic names ranked.
Nayeli or Nayali
- Name meaning: I love you.
- Popularity: Nayeli ranks #331 and Nayali isn’t ranking.
Nayla or Naylah
- Name meaning: Achiever. I love you.
- Popularity: Neither of these girl names that start with N is ranked.
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Nazari or Nazaria
- Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
- Popularity: Neither of these girl names that start with N is ranked.
Neriah or Nariyah
- Name meaning: Meaning unknown.
- Popularity: Neriah ranks #992 and Nariyah isn’t ranking.
Nevada
- Name meaning: Snow-covered.
- Popularity: This place name isn’t ranking.
Nevaeh
- Name meaning: Heaven spelled backwards.
- Popularity: #118
Nilani
- Name meaning: Enchanting moon.
- Popularity: This celestial name isn’t ranking.
Nilsa
- Name meaning: Winner or champion.
- Popularity: This badass name isn’t currently popular.
Nirvana
- Name meaning: Place of bliss.
- Popularity: This N name isn’t ranking.
Nolan or Nolen
- Name meaning: Winner or champion.
- Popularity: Nolan is not ranking for girls but ranks #57 for boys. Nolen isn’t ranking for either gender.
Nolani or Noelani
- Name meaning: Heavenly mist.
- Popularity: This N name isn’t ranking.
Novella
- Name meaning: A short novel.
- Popularity: This N name isn’t ranking.
November
- Name meaning: The 11th month.
- Popularity: This N name isn’t ranking.
Nubia
- Name meaning: Gold. A region of Africa.
- Popularity: This unique N name isn’t ranking.
Nylani
- Name meaning: Winner or champion.
- Popularity: This N name isn’t ranking.
Nyrobi
- Name meaning: Place of cool waters. The capital city of Kenya.
- Popularity: This N name isn’t ranking.
If you like unique baby girl names starting with N you’ll like these edgy names.
Will any girl names starting with N go viral in 2025?
Yes, I believe so!
There are 3 stand-out names that are poised for dramatic growth this year.
Navy
This N name shows the strongest viral potential by far.
Navy has demonstrated explosive growth since first appearing in the U.S. top 1000 in 2019 at #813, climbing 450 spots to reach #363 in 2023.
Its most recent jump was particularly dramatic – rising 120 spots from #483 to #363 in a single year (2022-2023), representing a 25% improvement in ranking.
The name gained initial visibility when country star Jason Aldean chose it for his daughter Navy Rome in 2019, coinciding with its debut in the rankings.
But Navy’s appeal has grown far beyond celebrity influence – its continued acceleration suggests broader cultural resonance. The 2023 surge was its largest single-year jump yet.
The name’s success taps into multiple current trends: color names (like Sage and Scarlett), maritime themes (like Ocean and River), and the coveted ‘v’ sound shared with rising names like Ivy and Nova.
Navy’s trajectory in England & Wales mirrors its U.S. success, climbing from unranked to #876 for girls and #1268 for boys in 2022, suggesting international momentum.
The data shows Navy isn’t just rising – it’s accelerating. Each year since 2019 has seen bigger jumps than the last: +155 spots (2019-2020), +204 spots (2020-2021), and now +120 spots in just the last year.
With this kind of explosive momentum and room to climb, Navy appears positioned for continued dramatic growth through 2025.
Nyomi
Nyomi’s trajectory has suddenly turned explosive, showing all the hallmarks of a name poised for viral growth.
After entering the top 1000 at #967 in 2020, Nyomi had modest early growth followed by a slight decline.
Then came 2023’s dramatic surge: a 111-spot climb from #922 to #811, representing the name’s highest rank ever and its largest single-year jump by far.
What’s particularly compelling is that this dramatic acceleration follows a period of decline in 2022, suggesting this isn’t steady growth but rather a powerful new wave of popularity.
The name hits multiple sweet spots: it’s a fresh take on the established Naomi (#44), features the trendy ‘y’ spelling seen in viral successes like Ryleigh, and has plenty of room to climb.
With 343 births in 2023 representing 0.020% of total female births, Nyomi has built the perfect foundation for explosive growth – established enough to be recognized, but still rare enough to feel special.
Nellie
Nellie shows compelling signs of going viral by 2025.
Currently at #611, it jumped 53 spots from 2022 to 2023, showing the kind of accelerating momentum that often precedes viral growth.
The name’s international performance reinforces this potential – in England & Wales, Nellie has skyrocketed from #2096 in 1996 to #97 in 2023, an astonishing 2,000-position climb that demonstrates its proven ability to go viral in English-speaking countries.
Netflix’s hit show Heartstopper has put Nellie in the cultural spotlight through Nick Nelson’s beloved dog, with confirmed upcoming seasons ensuring continued visibility.
The name perfectly aligns with multiple current trends: the vintage nickname revival (following Millie and Tillie’s success), the enduring popularity of -ie/-y endings for girls, and the movement toward short, nickname-style full names.
Its current ranking at #611 puts it in the statistical sweet spot for viral growth – established enough to show broad appeal but with plenty of room to climb.
What about the other N names?
While these girl names that start with N may not be heading for viral status, several show promising growth patterns worth watching:
Noelle demonstrates the strongest position, having climbed steadily to #206 in 2023. Its recent 5-spot improvement from #211, while modest, is particularly significant given its competitive ranking position. Disney’s 2019 film influence and the name’s alignment with French-inspired trends suggest continued steady growth.
Noemi shows the most dramatic recent momentum among these names, leaping 72 spots to #574 in 2023. Its strong international presence (ranking #20 in Italy) and alignment with the trending -mi ending pattern indicate healthy growth potential, though not at viral levels.
Novalee, at #766, shows the most erratic pattern. Despite a promising 53-spot improvement in 2023, its “two steps forward, one step back” trajectory since 2016 suggests inconsistent rather than explosive growth ahead.
Nori’s recent entry into the top 1000 at #900 marks an important milestone, but its 32-spot improvement in 2023 suggests measured growth rather than viral potential. Despite the Kardashian connection, its trajectory indicates organic appreciation over celebrity-driven surge.
Nataly, ranking #931, shows signs of resurgence with a 53-spot climb since 2021, but its position far down in the rankings and previous peak in the 300s suggest it’s unlikely to see dramatic gains in the near term.
This measured growth across these girl names that start with N aligns with broader naming trends favoring classic choices with modern twists, but none show the explosive momentum typically preceding viral status.
Nicknames starting with “N”
These are great if you love long names but want a shorter N-starting nickname.
Nati
Short for: Natalia, Natalie, Natasha
Nessa
Short for: Vanessa, Agnes
Nikki
Short for: Nicole, Nicola, Nicolette, Dominique
Nettie
Short for: Annette, Antoinette, Jeanette
Nora
Short for: Eleanor, Honora, Leonora, Eleanora
Nia
Short for: Stephanie, Antonia, Eugenia
Nell
Short for: Eleanor, Helen, Penelope, Cornelia
Nix
Short for: Nicole, Phoenix
Nori
Short for: Eleanor, Lenora, Honoria
Neely
Short for: Cornelia, Danielle, Penelope
Middle name ideas for baby girl names starting with N
Here are some beautiful first + middle name combinations for a first name with “N” as the first letter.
- Nadia Sage
- Nadine Abigail
- Nairobi Mia
- Nala Magnolia
- Nalani Jade
- Nalaya Lennox
- Nalia Blake
- Naomi Alexandra
- Nara Addilyn
- Nariyah Eve
- Nash Lennox
- Natalia Brooke
- Natalie Belle
- Natasha Harlow
- Nava Everleigh
- Navi Phoenix
- Navy Penelope
- Naya Aubrey
- Nayana Hart
- Nayeli Ava
- Nayla Juliette
- Nazaria Hazel
- Neely Madelyn
- Nellie Rylan
- Nessa Marley
- Neva Reese
- Nevada Scarlett
- Nia Hadley
- Nicole Lilianna
- Nicolette Palmer
- Nikita Bridget
- Nikki Hayes
- Nila Avery
- Nilani Victoria
- Nilsa Sophie
- Nina Emery
- Nira Mackenzie
- Nirvana Shiloh
- Niva Marie
- Noa Madison
- Noe Charlotte
- Noelle Embry
- Nola Piper
- Nolani Lily
- Nolen Lavender
- Noor Emersyn
- Nora Everleigh
- Nori Sophia
- Nova Violet
- Novalee Faye
- Novella Pearl
- November Ruby
- Novi Delilah
- Nubia Rayne
- Nyla Blakely
- Nylani Paige
- Nyrobi Rose
Girl Names that Start with N: Trend Analysis
A total of 34 feminine names beginning with N appear in the top 1000, revealing fascinating patterns in contemporary naming.
The highest ranked N names show parents gravitating toward timeless choices with cross-cultural appeal. Nora (#25) and Nova (#35) lead the pack, followed by Naomi (#44).
Nature and celestial themes dominate the trending N names. Nova, Navy, and Noor (meaning “light”) reflect this growing preference.
Biblical names maintain a strong presence, with Naomi, Noa, and Noah appearing for girls – though traditionally masculine Noah ranks lower at #640.
Vintage names show varying trajectories. Nora has firmly established itself as a modern classic, while Nancy (#942) appears to be in its twilight years. Nellie (#611), however, shows promising revival potential.
Cultural fusion names are gaining ground. Nalani (Hawaiian), Nayeli (Zapotec), and Noor (Arabic) reflect growing multicultural influences.
The predicted viral potential of Navy, Nellie, and Nyomi aligns with current trends toward word names, vintage revivals, and unique spins on classics.
2025 Predictions:
- Expect Navy to crack the top 200, riding the wave of color names and nautical themes
- Watch for Nori to rise significantly as parents seek fresh alternatives to Nova
- Ancient names like Neriah will gain traction as parents mine historical sources
If you’re considering an N name for your baby girl, there’s never been a more stylish time to choose one – from established classics to rising stars, this initial offers tons of variety.
Final thoughts on N names for girls
Before you make your daughter’s name official, here are a few questions worth asking yourself:
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- How often will others assume the wrong spelling of the name? If you name your daughter Nataly, for example, everyone will default to Natalie (until corrected). Think about whether this may bother your daughter.
- Will young kids be able to pronounce the name? It’s really common for little ones to have trouble pronouncing letters and sounds such as “R”, “S”, “L”, “Th”, and “Z”. Since many of the N names on this list include the letter L, keep in mind that they’ll be a challenge for your daughter and her friends to say for a few years. Again, think about whether this matters to you—it may not.
- Do her initials spell anything undesirable? It’s generally wise to steer clear of middle names starting with vowels—particularly for girls since they may eventually take their husbands’ last name. For example, the name Nadia Abigail might work fine with your current last name…. but what if she marries a Mr. Grant? You don’t want your daughter to be a nag, right? 🙂
- Do her initials match any acronyms of organizations? Keep in mind that N starts the word national. You may want to think twice about naming your daughter Nathalia Rose because if she marries a Mr. Anderson her initials would be NRA. Either way, give her initials a quick Google!
Ultimately, you and your partner should choose whichever girl name that starts with N that makes you the happiest. It’s a very personal decision that only you can make!
Congratulations and good luck choosing the perfect N name for your baby girl!
The source for popularity data is SSN.
This article was originally published on Dec 26, 2021 and was updated on Feb 3, 2025.
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