Finding the perfect name for your baby boy can be daunting. In our list of guy names that start with N, you will find an array of names from across the globe.
Some names are unique, others are rare, while most popular N names for boys are listed in detail. Knowing what name will suit your baby boy best will turn a nasty task into a pleasant discovery.
You’ll be able to draw up an informative shortlist that will finally lead you to make the first-lifetime choice for your son.
100 Best Male Names That Start with N
Here are the nicest N names for boys that are definitely noteworthy.
Naasah
Naasah is an Arabic Iranian masculine name that also means “giver of good advice, guide.” Naasah is mainly used among Muslim people. The variant Nasha is a gender-neutral name of Persian origin, meaning “judge.”
- Origin: Arabic, Persian
- Meaning: Councilor, advisor
- Pronunciation: NAAH-sah
- Variations: Nasah
- Popularity: Naasah is an uncommon name outside of Arabic countries.
Nabil
Nabil is a typical Arabic boy’s name adopted into the Islamic faith due to its neutral yet positive meaning. Nabil also means “generous, honorable, intelligent, dexterous, and skilled in archery.” It’s also another name for “God” and means “good-looking and wise.”
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Noble, highborn
- Pronunciation: nae-bihl, na-BEEL
- Variations: Nabeel
- Namesakes: Nabil Al Busaidi, an Omani adventurer known as the first Arab to walk to the magnetic North Pole and row across the Atlantic Ocean.
- Popularity: Nabil is a common given name used by Muslims worldwide.
Nacho
Nacho is the diminutive of Ignacio, a Spanish male name originating from a Roman family name with Etruscan roots. Nacho derives from the Latin “ignis,” meaning “fiery one, fire, light, glow, radiance, and rays of the sun.”
- Origin: Latin, Etruscan
- Meaning: Fiery one
- Pronunciation: NA-cho
- Variations: Nacio
- Namesakes: Nacho Galindo, a Mexican-American film and television actor known for his small roles in 71 feature films and at least 60 TV episodes.
- Popularity: Macho is fairly common in Spanish-speaking countries.
Nadab
Nadab is an Old Testament name used for Aaron’s son and the second king of Israel. Nadab was consumed by flames and killed when he offered unauthorized fire to God.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Generous
- Pronunciation: nAI-daeb
- Popularity: Nadab is a rare name worldwide.
Nader
Nader has various meanings in different languages, including “rare, unusual,” or “exceptional.” Nader is Arabic, used in Hadith evaluation, and relates directly to the meaning.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Rare, exceptional
- Pronunciation: nah-dur
- Variations: Nadir
- Namesakes: Nader Engheta, an Iranian-American scientist who made pioneering contributions to metamaterials, transformation optics, and nano-materials.
- Popularity: Nader is somewhat common in Arabic countries.
Nagendra
Nagendra is another name for Vasuki, the king of snakes in Hindu mythology. Nagendra is a combination name derived from the Sanskrit “naga,” meaning “snake,” and “Indra,” meaning “lord.” In some interpretations, “naga” means “elephant.”
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning: Lord of snakes
- Pronunciation: nuh-gain-druh
- Popularity: Nagendra is mainly used on the Indian subcontinent but is uncommon.
Nahum
Nahum derives from the Hebrew Old Testament “Nachum,” used for one of the 12 minor prophets recorded in the Hebrew Bible. The downfall of Nineveh is foretold in the Book of Nahum.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Comforter
- Pronunciation: NAY-am, nah-OOM
- Variations: Naum
- Namesakes: Nahum Thorton Grymes, an American singer-songwriter and rapper known for his breakthrough hit Bed, reached #5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
- Popularity: Nahum is used in English-speaking countries but is uncommon.
Naim
Naim is an Arabic male name referring to “contentment, peacefulness,” and “tranquility.” The Hebrew meaning is “pleasant.”
- Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
- Meaning: Happiness, comfort, pleasant
- Pronunciation: nah-eem
- Variations: Nayeem, Naeem, Naiem, Nahim, Naheem, Niheem, Nahiem
- Namesakes: Naim Araidi, an Israeli Druze academic and writer best known for his poems in both Hebrew and Arabic.
- Popularity: Naim is fairly popular in Turkey and the Balkan peninsula.
Nakos
Nakos derives from Native American Arapaho and relates to the sage spice. Nakos is used as a given name for a wise person. Nakos is also a Greek surname mainly found in Greece and the U.S.
- Origin: Native American
- Meaning: Sage, wise
- Popularity: Nakos is an uncommon name worldwide.
Namkha
Namkha is the Tibetan name for an ancient relic made of colored threads wrapped around wooden sticks. These were used in the ancient rituals of Bon, a pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet.
- Origin: Tibetan
- Meaning: Spacious sky, space, aether, heaven
- Pronunciation: nam-ka
- Variations: Namkaha, Namkhah, Nam-Kha
- Popularity: Namkha is a rare given name worldwide.
Nando
Nando is the short form of Fernando. Nando derives from the West Gothic “Fridunand,” composed of two elements. The elements mean “peace, tranquility, friendship” and “bold, to be bold, daring, to dare.”
- Origin: Germanic, Gothic
- Meaning: Bold protector, brave in peace
- Pronunciation: NAN-doh
- Variations: Nandor, Fernando
- Namesakes: Nando Rafael, an Angolan professional footballer who plays for Bali United in the Indonesian Super League.
- Popularity: Nando is popular in Switzerland, ranked #171 in 2021.
Nanna
Nanna is either a masculine or feminine given name from different origins worldwide. Nanna was the Sumerian god of the moon, derived from Norse mythology. Nana is also a feminine name in Scandinavia, Japan, Georgia, and Greece and a masculine name in Ethiopia and India.
- Origin: Old Norse, Sumerian, Hebrew
- Meaning: Daring, brave, challenging, grace, spring
- Pronunciation: NAH-nah
- Variations: Nana
- Namesakes: Nana Eikura, a Japanese actress, model, and occasional radio show host affiliated with the Ken-On Group.
- Popularity: Nanna is an uncommon name worldwide.
Nanuk
Nanuk derives from the Inuit religion. Nanuk was the master of bears who decided if hunters deserved success in finding and hunting bears. Nanuk was popularized by the documentary Nanook Of The North.
- Origin: Inuit, Inuktitut
- Meaning: Polar bear
- Pronunciation: NA-NOOK
- Variations: Nanuq, Nanook
- Popularity: Nanuk is a rare name worldwide.
Naolin
Naolin stems from the American Aztec people but also has Spanish roots, meaning “god of the sun.” Naolin is mainly used for characters in the gaming world.
- Origin: American
- Meaning: Aztec god of the sun
- Pronunciation: NAA-oh-lihn
- Popularity: Naolin is an uncommon name worldwide.
Napoleon
Napoleon’s exact origin is unclear. It may have derived from the Germanic “Nibelungen,” meaning “sons of mist,” who were the keepers of treasure. Napoleon could also be associated with the Italian city of Naples. The French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Corsica.
- Origin: Italian, Germanic
- Meaning: From Naples, sons of mist
- Pronunciation: na-POH-lee-an
- Variations: Napoleone
- Namesakes: Napoleon Hill, an American author known for his book Think And Grow Rich, among the best-selling self-help books of all time.
- Popularity: Napoleon is an uncommon name worldwide.
Narayana
Narayana is another name for Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism, the god of creation. Many names are associated with Vishnu, known as “The Preserver” within the Trimurti, the triple deity of supreme divinity that includes Brahma and Shiva.
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning: Path of man
- Pronunciation: Nah-Rah-Yah-Nah
- Variations: Narayane, Narayanan, Narain, Narayankar, Narine
- Namesakes: Narayana Pandita, an Indian mathematician famous for writing the Ganita Kaumudi or Moonlight of Mathematics in 1356.
- Popularity: Narayana is fairly common across the Indian subcontinent.
Nash
Nash is a habitational English surname derived from the Middle English phrase “atten ash,” which means “at the ash tree.” Nash was later used as a given male name.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: At the ash tree
- Pronunciation: NAESH, Nah-sh
- Variations: Ash
- Namesakes: Clarence Charles Nash, an American voice actor famous for being the original voice of the Disney cartoon character Donald Duck.
- Popularity: Nash is popular in English-speaking countries, ranking #233 in the U.S. in 2021.
Nasir
Nasir is predominantly a Muslim, given name meaning “ protector.” Nasir relates to “Nasruddin,” meaning “protector of religion” or “defender of the faith,” referring to the Islamic faith. There are also villages in Iran and Africa named Nasir.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: One who grants victory, helper
- Pronunciation: NA-seer, na-SEER
- Variations: Nasser, Naseer
- Namesakes: Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, an American rapper regarded as one of the greatest rappers ever.
- Popularity: Nasir is a fairly popular name in Arabic countries and among African Americans.
Nat
Nat is an English gender-neutral name derived from the diminutive form of Natalie, Nathan, or Nathaniel. Nat also means “gift of God.” Nat is also a Native American name meaning “goddess of evil and good.”
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Given
- Pronunciation: nAEt
- Variations: Nate
- Namesakes: Nathaniel Adams Coles, known professionally as Nat King Cole, an American singer and jazz pianist famous for recording over 100 hit songs.
- Popularity: Nat is an uncommon given name but is a popular nickname worldwide.
Natal
Natal is a Spanish and Portuguese given name derived from the Latin “Natalis.” Natal is usually given to a baby boy born on Christmas to commemorate the birth of Christ.
- Origin: Latin, Spanish, Portuguese
- Meaning: Christmas
- Pronunciation: Nah-TAHL
- Variations: Natalia
- Popularity: Natal is a rare name worldwide.
Natanael
Natanael is the Portuguese and Spanish variant of the Hebrew name Nathanael. The Apostle Bartholomew is said to be named Nathanael Tolomai Bar, where Bartolomei, or Bartholomew, means “son of Talmai.”
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: God has given, gift of God
- Pronunciation: naa-taa-naa-EHl
- Variations: Nathanael, Nathaniel, Nataniel
- Namesakes: Natanael Batista Pimenta, a Brazilian footballer who plays as a left-back for Internacional.
- Popularity: Natanael is an uncommon name worldwide.
Nate
Nate is the diminutive of Nathan or Nathaniel. Nathan derives from Hebrew, which means “gift.” Nate is also a nickname which is a nifty name among boy names with N.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Gift of God
- Pronunciation: NAYT
- Variations: Nat
- Namesakes: Nate Mooney, an American actor known for his role in the comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
- Popularity: Nate ranked #327 in England in 2021 and is popular in many English-speaking countries.
Nathan
Nathan derives from the Hebrew verb “natan,” meaning “gave.” Nathan was the name given to a Hebrew prophet in the Old Testament.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Gift of God, He gave
- Pronunciation: NAI-thuhn, NAY-then
- Variations: Natan, Nathen, Nathyn
- Namesakes: Nathan Amos, an Israeli international rugby union player known for being the most capped player in Israel.
- Popularity: Nathan is very popular worldwide, ranked #59 in the U.S. in 2021.
Nathaniel
Nathaniel derives from the Hebrew “Netan’el,” meaning “gift of God,” composed of “natan,” meaning “to give,” and “el,” meaning “God.” Nathaniel is the English spelling of the biblical Nathanael.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: God has given
- Pronunciation: Na-Than-yell
- Variations: Nathanael
- Namesakes: Nathaniel Hawthorne, an American novelist known for his work on history, morality, and religion.
- Popularity: Nathaniel is a popular male name, ranked #133 in the U.S. in 2021.
Nazareth
Nazareth derives from the Hebrew “Nazara” for Nazareth, which means “a shoot” and was used in ancient times. This may have derived either from “na tsar,” meaning “to watch,” or from “ne tser,” meaning “branch.”
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Will bear fruit, watch, guard, keep
- Pronunciation: nAE-zuh-ruhth
- Namesakes: Nazareth Jersey Mitrou-Long, a Greek-Canadian professional basketball player for Olimpia Milano and the EuroLeague.
- Popularity: Nazareth is a fairly common name in Spanish-speaking countries but uncommon elsewhere.
Nazario
Nazario derives from the Late Latin given name Nazarius meaning “of Nazareth,” which refers to Jesus of Nazareth. The angel Gabriel appeared before the Virgin Mary in Nazareth to inform her that she would soon conceive and give birth to Jesus.
- Origin: Latin, Spanish, Portuguese
- Meaning: From Nazareth
- Pronunciation: naa-sAA-ree-oh
- Variations: Nazaire, Nazar, Nazer, Nazari, Nazarius
- Namesakes: Nazario Nazari, an Italian painter of the late Baroque or Rococo style known for painting portraits of the aristocratic officials of Venice.
- Popularity: Nazario is fairly common across Italy but uncommon in English-speaking countries.
Nazir
Besides being a surname and one of the male names that start with N, Nazir is also an Arabic title referring to “an overseer.” In Islam, it’s a title used for the administrator of a “waqf,” which is a building, plot of land, or other assets for Muslim religious or charitable purposes.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: One who is comparable, observant, spectator
- Pronunciation: nah-zihr
- Variations: Naazir
- Namesakes: Nazir Sabir, a Pakistani mountaineer who has climbed Mount Everest and four of the five 8000m peaks in Pakistan.
- Popularity: Nazir is common in Pakistan, India, and some Arabic countries.
Nebo
Nebo is the name used for the Assyrian and Babylonian god of wisdom, letters, and writing. Mount Nebo was where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land before his death. Nebo was also the name of a biblical town.
- Origin: Babylonian
- Meaning: To announce
- Pronunciation: NEE-boh
- Variations: Nabo, Nebai, Nobai
- Namesakes: Joshua Nebo, an American professional basketball player for the Israeli Basketball Premier League and the EuroLeague.
- Popularity: Nebo is an uncommon given name worldwide.
Neci
Neci originally began as a feminine name but was also a nickname for Ignacia, which became a gender-neutral name. Neci started to become popular during the 21st-century, particularly in Hungary.
- Origin: Latin, Slavic
- Meaning: Fiery, ardent
- Pronunciation: neh-see
- Popularity: Neci is a common name in Slavic countries
Neel
Neel derives from the Latin “Cornelius,” meaning “like a horn.” The Irish and Gaelic meaning is “champion.” Neel refers to blue in Sanskrit, which is related to Lord Vishnu. Neel is also an Old French given name derived from the Latin “Nigellus.”
- Origin: Hindu, Latin, Gaelic
- Meaning: Sapphire blue, Lord Shiva, sky, cloud, like a horn, champion
- Pronunciation: N-EE-L, NAYL
- Variations: Neeltjie, Neilina, Nelly, Nel
- Namesakes: Neel Jani, a Swiss professional Porsche factory driver famous for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2016.
- Popularity: Neel is somewhat common in different regions of the world but is not popular.
Neeladri
Neeladri derives from “Nilgili,” a mountainous region in southern India.Neeladri is one of the seven peaks of the Tirumala Hills. Neelandri Nagar is a well-known neighborhood in Bangalore near various tourist attractions.
- Origin: Sanskrit, Hindu
- Meaning: Nilgiris, blue mountain
- Pronunciation: NEE-lah-dree
- Popularity: Neeladri is widely used in India and among Muslims but is uncommon elsewhere.
Neely
Neely is the Irish/Scottish shortened form of the surname McNeilly from “Mac an Fhilidh,” meaning “son of the poet.” Neely is also said to have Hebrew and Latin roots.
- Origin: Irish, Scottish
- Meaning: Son of the champion, passionate, son of Neal
- Pronunciation: nee-lee
- Namesakes: Neely Bruce, an American composer, conductor, and pianist who composed over 800 works, including three full-length operas.
- Popularity: Neely is an uncommon name worldwide.
Neev
Neev is predominantly a masculine Hindu given name. Neev has been adopted into some Western countries, such as Ireland, where it’s used as a feminine name.
- Origin: Indian
- Meaning: A strong foundation, groundwork, elementary, basis, rudimentary
- Pronunciation: Knee-v, NEE-V
- Namesakes: Neev Kennedy, an Irish singer-songwriter known for her music albums Now I See and What Else Is There To Love.
- Popularity: Neev is a fairly common name among Hindu people.
Nehemiah
Nehemiah derives from the Hebrew word “nacham,” meaning “to comfort,” and is a book in the Old Testament. Nehemiah was a Jewish leader responsible for rebuilding Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Yahweh comforts
- Pronunciation: nee-huh-MIE-ah
- Variations: Neemias, Neemias
- Namesakes: Nehemiah Clark, an American actor known for his roles in the films On Empty and Inner City Champions.
- Popularity: Nehemiah is a popular name, ranked #410 in the U.S. in 2021.
Neil
Neil derives from the Irish “Niall,” which means “fury, passion, hero.” Neil was adopted in the Middle Ages and used by the Norse raiders and later by the Normans.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Champion, cloud
- Pronunciation: nEEl
- Variations: Neale, Neal
- Namesakes: Neil Leslie Diamond, an American singer-songwriter who sold over 130 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling musicians ever.
- Popularity: Neil is a fairly popular baby boy’s name, ranked #719 in the U.S. in 2021.
Neftali
Neftali derives from the Hebrew boy’s name Naphtali, which is recorded in the Book of Genesis and is the second son of Jacob. Naphtali later became the founder of the Israelite Tribe of Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Struggling
- Pronunciation: nehf-tal-ee
- Variations: Naphtali
- Namesakes: Neftalí Soto, a Puerto Rican professional baseball first baseman who played in Major League Baseball for the Cincinnati Reds.
- Popularity: Neftali is an uncommon name in English-speaking countries.
Nelson
Nelson began as an English surname used by families with an Irish patriarch, Neal. In Gaelic, Niall refers to “champion.” Nelson first became a common given name in the 19th-century.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Nell, Champion
- Pronunciation: nEHl-suhn, NEHL-sun
- Variations: Nilsen, Nielsen, Nilsson. Nellson, Nelleson, Nelsen, Nelsyn
- Namesakes: Nelson Mandela, a South African political figure elected as the first democratically elected president of South Africa in 1994.
- Popularity: Nelson is fairly popular worldwide, ranked #725 in the U.S. in 2021.
Nemo
Nemo was made famous after the captain of the Nautilus in the novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. In recent times, Nemo has attracted attention through the popular animated film Finding Nemo.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Nobody
- Pronunciation: nee-moh
- Namesakes: Henry Nemo, an American musician, songwriter, and actor known for his role in the film Song of the Thin Man, the final film in MGM’s Thin Man series.
- Popularity: Nemo is not a common name worldwide.
Neo
Neo has various origins. In South Africa, Neo is a Tswana gender-neutral baby name meaning “gift.” Neo means “new” in Latin and Greek which derives from the Greek prefix “neo” or “neos,” meaning “new.” Neo is also a term in medical books such as “neonate.”
- Origin: Latin, Greek, South African
- Meaning: New, gift
- Pronunciation: neh-oh, NEE-oh
- Variations: Neyo, Neoh
- Namesakes: Neo Rauch, a German artist known for his paintings that reflect the influence of socialist realism.
- Popularity: Neo is popular in Europe, ranked #476 in England and #155 in Switzerland in 2021.
Neon
Neon derives from the Greek “neos,” meaning “new,” in ancient Greece. Neon is not named after the modern neon lights but after neon gas, discovered in 1898. Neon is one of the more unusual names for boys that start with N.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Strong, new, one who is strong
- Pronunciation: nEE-ahn
Neptune
Neptune is the Roman god of the sea, equivalent to the Greek god Poseidon. Neptune is also the 8th planet in our solar system, named for its liquid blue appearance.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Clouds, wet, damp
- Pronunciation: nEHp-toon
- Popularity: Neptune is an uncommon name worldwide.
Nereus
Nereus derives from the Greek “neros,” meaning “ water.” In Greek mythology, Nereus was a name for Homer, a god of the sea. Nereus, or Homer, was noted for his wisdom, gift of prophecy, and ability to change his shape.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Old man of the sea, water
- Pronunciation: NEH-REWS, NIR-ee-as
- Variations: Nereo
- Popularity: Nereus is a rare name worldwide.
Neriah
Neriah is a symbolic name given to girls born on Hanukkah, the festival of lights. In the Bible, the Book of Jeremiah refers to Neriah as the son of Mahseiah and the father of Baruch and Seraiah ben Neriah. Neriah is also referred to as “the light of Jehovah.”
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Lamp of God
- Pronunciation: ner-AY-uh
- Variations: Neriya
- Popularity: Neriah is fairly popular and ranked #775 in England in 2021.
Nero
Nero derives from ancient Rome and has Sabine origins. In contemporary times, Nero could be used as a short form of Raniero. The Italian Nero refers to “black” and is often associated with someone with dark skin, hair, or eyes.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Powerful, strong, stern
- Pronunciation: near-oh, NIR-o
- Namesakes: Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, a Roman emperor, the fifth and final emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty who reigned from A.D. 54 to A.D. 68.
- Popularity: Nero has a strong showing in Brazil but is an uncommon name worldwide.
Nestor
In Greek mythology, Nestor was a wise old king in Homer’s Iliad. Nestor stems from a combination of the Greek “neomai,” meaning “go back,” and “nostos,” meaning “one who returns from travels.”
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Returner, home comer
- Pronunciation: NEHS-TAWR, NEHS-tar
- Variations: Nestore
- Namesakes: Nestor Serrano, an American film and TV actor known for his role in the series 24 and Banshee.
- Popularity: Nestor is an uncommon name worldwide.
Nevan
Nevan is the Anglicized form of Naomhan. Nevan was a saint in Irish folklore whose feast day was celebrated in mid-September. The family name Nevan can be traced to ancestors from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Scotland.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Saintly, holy, little saint, follower of the saint
- Pronunciation: nev-un, NEHV-an
- Variations: Nevin
- Popularity: Nevan is a rare name worldwide.
Neville
Neville derived from a habitational surname of a place name meaning “new town” in Normandy, France. Neville derives from the Old French “neuf” and Latin “novus,” meaning “new,” and “ville,” meaning “settlement.”
- Origin: French, English
- Meaning: New town
- Pronunciation: nEH-vihl
- Variations: Nevil
- Namesakes: Arthur Neville Chamberlain, a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1937 to 1940.
- Popularity: Neville is predominantly used in English and French-speaking countries but is uncommon as a given name.
Nevin
Nevin derives from the Irish root “naomh,” which means “little saint.” Nevin also has roots in the Scottish Gaelic name “Naoimhín,” which arose from the word “naomh,” translating to “holy” or “saint.” Nevin is the Turkish form of the South Asian name Navin or Naveen.
- Origin: Irish, Turkish
- Meaning: Little saint, new, fresh, young
- Pronunciation: NEV-in
- Variations: Nevan
- Namesakes: John Niven, a Scottish author, and screenwriter known for his books Kill Your Friends, The Amateurs, and The Second Coming.
- Popularity: Nevin is an uncommon given name worldwide.
Nick
Nick is the short form for Nicholas, associated with Saint Nicholas. Nicholas of Bari became the patron saint of children and a gift-giver widely known today as Santa Claus.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Victory of the people
- Pronunciation: Nihk, NIK
- Variations: Nic, Nicky, Nik, Klaas, Nico, Niek
- Namesakes: Nicholas (Nick) Jerry Jonas, an American singer-songwriter who formed a band with his older brothers, Kevin and Joe, known as the Jonas Brothers.
- Popularity: Nick is popular as a nickname but uncommon as a given name.
Nico
Nico is derived as an Italian nickname for Nicholas, Nicodemus, and Niccolo. Nico developed into a stand-alone given name and is predominantly used for boys. Nico is used primarily in Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Finland, Croatia, Georgia, and Slovenia.
- Origin: Italian, Greek
- Meaning: People of victory
- Pronunciation: nee-koh
- Variations: Niko, Neeko, Neeco, Neyko, Nieco, Nieko
- Namesakes: Nico Erik Rosberg, a German-Finnish former Formula One racing driver from 2006 to 2016 who won the World Drivers’ Championship in 2016.
- Popularity: Nico is a popular name worldwide, ranked #259 in the U.S. in 2021.
Nicodemus
Nicodemus derives from the Greek “nike,” meaning “victory, and “demos,” meaning “people.” Nicodemus is a New Testament biblical figure who defended Jesus before the religious leaders and later helped to entomb Jesus.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Victory of the people
- Pronunciation: nihk-uh-DEE-muhs
- Variations: Nikodem, Nikodim, Nicodemo
- Namesakes: Nicodemus Rusnak, a Ukrainian Orthodox metropolitan bishop of Kharkiv and Bohodukhiv.
- Popularity: Nicodemus is an uncommon name worldwide.
Nicolas
Nicolas is the French and Spanish form of Nicholas. Nicolas derives from the Greek word meaning “victory of the people.” The most famous historical example is Saint Nicholas, who became the basis for Santa Claus.
- Origin: Greek, French
- Meaning: Victory to the people
- Pronunciation: NEE-KAW-LA, NIK-a-las, NIK-las
- Variations: Nicholas
- Namesakes: Nicolas Cage, an American actor famous for winning an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe Award for his various film roles.
- Popularity: Nicolas and its variant Nicholas are very popular worldwide, ranked #188 in the U.S. in 2021.
Niels
Niels is the Danish form of the Greek Nikolaos and is the Dutch short form of the Latin Cornelius. The combination of two dominant origins compounds the meaning.
- Origin: Dutch, Danish
- Meaning: Champion, horn
- Pronunciation: NEHLS, NEELS
- Variations: Neil. Neal,
- Namesakes: Niels Schneider, a Franco-Canadian actor known for his role in the film I Killed My Mother, released in 2009.
- Popularity: Niels is somewhat popular in Western Europe but uncommon elsewhere.
Nigel
Nigel derives from the Latin “Niall,” meaning “champion,” but also has roots in the Latin “niger,” meaning “dark.” The Gaelic Nigel was adopted by the Vikings and used in Scandinavia and France before finally going to England.
- Origin: Latin, Gaelic, English
- Meaning: Dark complexion, raven-haired, black, dark, champion
- Pronunciation: NIE-jel
- Variations: Nagel, Nigella, Neil, Nigellus
- Namesakes: Nigel Gregory Benn, a former British professional boxer with the Commonwealth middleweight title from 1988 to 1989.
- Popularity: Nigel is fairly common in Western countries but is not popular.
Nikhil
Nikhil derives from the Sanskrit “nikhila,” meaning “complete, whole.” Nikhil is an alternative name for the Hindu god Vishnu, predominantly used in India and Nepal.
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning: Whole, all, bringer of completion, final, newest one
- Pronunciation: nuh-kil
- Variations: Neykhyl, Nikhill, Nikhy, Nykhyl
- Namesakes: Nikhil Dwivedi, an Indian actor who works in Hindi cinema, known for his role in the series Scam.
- Popularity: Nikhil is popular throughout India and widely used worldwide.
Nikita
Nikita derives from the Greek “niketas,” meaning “victory,” and is predominantly a masculine name in Slavic countries. Nikita is also a Hindi feminine name derived from the Sanskrit word “niketa,” meaning “house.”
- Origin: Greek, Slavic, Sanskrit
- Meaning: Unconquered, victor, house
- Pronunciation: nih-KEE-tah, nih-KEY-ta, knee-KEY-ta
- Variations: Nakita, Nekita, Nicketa
- Namesakes: Nikita Vladimirovich Nagornyy, a Russian artistic gymnast who is a two-time Olympian.
- Popularity: Nikita is a fairly common name worldwide, ranked #893 in England in 2016.
Nikola
Nikola is an Eastern European version of the Greek Nikolaos and carries the same meaning. Nikolaos stems from the components “nike,” meaning “victory,” and “laos,” meaning “people.” Nike is the name of the Greek goddess of victory.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Victory of the people
- Pronunciation: NIH-koh-lah
- Variations: Nikolai, Nikolay, Nikolaj
- Namesakes: Nikola Tesla, a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, and mechanical engineer famous for creating the alternating current (A.C.) electricity system.
- Popularity: Nikola is very popular in Eastern Europe, ranked #28 in Croatia and #87 in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2021.
Niles
Niles is of Gaelic origin that may be derived from “nel,” meaning “cloud,” or “niad,” meaning “champion.” The Vikings adopted the Gaelic name and took it to Iceland as Njall. From Scandinavia, it went to England via Normandy, France.
- Origin: Gaelic, English
- Meaning: Son of Neil, cloud, champion
- Pronunciation: NIELZ, NAAYLZ
- Variations: Nyles, Niall, Nigel, Nigellus, Neil, Neal
- Namesakes: Niles Fitch, an American actor known for his role as Quinton in the film The Fallout.
- Popularity: Niles is an uncommon name worldwide.
Nima
Nima has several origins and meanings across different cultures. In Hindi, Nima means “thread, hair; blessing.” In Sanskrit, Nima means “moon” and is a derivative of “Purnima,” meaning “full” (pur) and “moon” (nima). Nima is also one of the Persian guy names that start with N, popular in Iran.
- Origin: Tibetan, Sanskrit
- Meaning: Renowned, small, blessing, fair, sun, moon
- Pronunciation: NEE-mah
- Variations: Neema
- Namesakes: Nima Rumba, a singer, lyricist, musician, and actor from Nepal known for his songs Block Hill and Huri Bataas.
- Popularity: Nima is widely used in many cultures but is an uncommon name.
Nimbus
Nimbus stems directly from a nature word for a rain cloud. Nimbus is a luminous vapor or cloud around a god or goddess when on earth. Nimbus is an intriguing nature-inspired name among boy names that start with N.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Rain cloud, halo, dark cloud
- Pronunciation: nimm-BUS
- Popularity: Nimbus is a rare name worldwide.
Nimrod
Nimrod was a biblical Old Testament king and great-grandson of Noah who commissioned the construction of the Tower of Babel. In American English, Nimrod is a derogatory term meaning “idiot.”
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: We will rebel
- Pronunciation: nihm-rawd, NIM-rahd
- Variations: Nebrod
- Namesakes: Nimrod Shapira, an Israeli two-time Olympic swimmer, who represented Israel at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Nimrod is an uncommon name worldwide.
Ninurta
Ninurta derives from the Sumerian words “nin,” meaning “lord,” and “urta,” meaning “ear of barley.” In Sumerian and Akkadian mythology, Ninurta was the god of agriculture, healing, and hunting but was later associated with war.
- Origin: Sumerian
- Meaning: Lord of barley
- Pronunciation: NEE-nurh-tah
- Variations: Ningirsu
- Popularity: Ninurta is a rare name worldwide.
Nirvaan
Nirvaan is a Sanskrit masculine name related to the concept of nirvana. In Buddhism, nirvana represents a transcendent state where the soul is free from the cycle of death and rebirth and released from mortal desire and suffering.
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning: Perfect calm, ultimate bliss, liberation
- Pronunciation: nir-vahn
- Variations: Nirvan
- Popularity: Nirvaan is a rare name worldwide.
Nishant
Nishant derives from the Sanskrit word “nisa,” meaning “night,” and “anta,” meaning “end.” Traits that include reliability, discipline, and hard-working are also worked into the meaning of Nishant.
- Origin: Indian
- Meaning: End of night
- Pronunciation: Nee-sha-ant
- Namesakes: Nishant Kasibhatla, a Mindset Mastery Expert and author known as a 2011 Guinness Record Holder and the only Grand Master of Memory in Singapore.
- Popularity: Nishant is an uncommon name outside of the Indian subcontinent.
Niven
Niven derives from the Irish “Naomhan,” a diminutive of the word “naomh,” referring to a “saint.” The family name Niven is derived from the Scottish Gaelic “Mac Cnaimhin” and can be traced back to the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Scotland.
- Origin: Latin, Scottish
- Meaning: Sacred, little saint
- Pronunciation: NIH-vuhn
- Variations: Nevin, Navin, Newin, Nifen, and Nevison
- Namesakes: David Graham Niven, a British actor who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Major Pollock in Separate Tables.
- Popularity: Niven is not a popular name worldwide.
Nixon
Nixon began as an English surname derived from the Greek Nicholas, meaning “victory of the people.” Nixon became popular in 2011 and peaked on the U.S. charts in 2017.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: The son of Nicholas
- Pronunciation: NIHK-suhn
- Variations: Nixson, Nikson, Nickson, Nichson, Nixen, Niksen
- Namesakes: Richard Milhous Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, who served from 1969 to 1974.
- Popularity: Nixon is popular in English-speaking countries, ranked #695 in the U.S. in 2021 and #81 in New Zealand in 2018.
Noah
Noah derives from the Hebrew Noach from the Hebrew word “nuach,” meaning “rest.” Noa is considered the feminine form of Noah yet is also a variant spelling of the masculine Noah.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Rest
- Pronunciation: NOH-uh
- Variations: Noach, Noa
- Namesakes: Noah Kiprono Ngeny, a Kenyan athlete known for winning a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics for the 1500 meters.
- Popularity: Noah is a very popular name, ranked #2 in the U.S. and #1 in England in 2021.
Noam
Noam is said to be the male version of the female Naomi. Today, Noam is used for both males and females alike. Noam could also have originated from the biblical Noah.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Pleasantness, charm, tenderness
- Pronunciation: NO-am
- Variations: Noah, Nooa, Noak
- Namesakes: Noam Zylberman, an Israeli-born Canadian voice actor who provided the voice for characters on several animated TV series such as The Raccoons, ALF Tales, and Garbage Pail Kids.
- Popularity: Noam is very popular in Israel, ranked #5 in 2020 and #88 in France in 2021.
Noble
Noble is a fairly common English surname throughout the United Kingdom. The surname first appeared in 1199, but because being noble is considered a virtue, it was later used as a given name too.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Aristocratic
- Pronunciation: NOH-buhl
- Namesakes: Noble Henry Willingham, Jr., an American actor who is a legend in the film industry, having appeared in more than thirty films and in many TV shows.
- Popularity: Noble is currently an uncommon name worldwide.
Nodens
Nodens derives from Irish mythology and is the name of a Celtic god associated with healing, fishing, and hunting. Nodens could be the root of other names like the Irish Nuada or the Welsh Nudd. Nodens could also mean “silver hand.”
- Origin: Celtic
- Meaning: Mist, haze, the catcher, the snarer, the hunter
- Variations: Nodenti, Nodonti
- Pronunciation: Nuh-denzh
- Popularity: Nodens is a rare name worldwide.
Noe
Noe is the French, Spanish, and Portuguese form of Noah, derived from the Hebrew root “noach.” Noe began as a habitational name from La Noe, the name of several places in northern France. In France, Noe is a variant of Noel. Noy was the original English surname before the change to Noe.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Rest, repose
- Pronunciation: NO
- Variations: Noy, Noah
- Popularity: Noe is somewhat common as a given or middle name in Europe but uncommon elsewhere.
Noel
Noel is a gender-neutral given name derived from the Old French “noël.” “Noël” derives from “nael,” which in turn derives from the Latin “natalis,” meaning “birth.” In medieval times, Noel was typically given to children born on Christmas.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Christmas
- Pronunciation: NOL, NO-al
- Variations: Noelle, Noe
- Namesakes: Noel Thomas David Gallagher, an English singer-songwriter who was the lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist of the rock band Oasis.
- Popularity: Noel is popular worldwide, ranked #397 in the U.S., #522 in England, and #8 in Finland in 2021.
Nolan
Nolan is a derivative of the Irish surname O’ Nuallain, which has roots in the Irish word “nuall,” meaning “famous” or “loud.” Nolan is also a common Irish surname.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Champion, a descendant of Nuallan
- Pronunciation: nOH-luhn, NOH-lin
- Variations: Nolin, Noland, Nolande, Nolyn, Nolun
- Namesakes: Nolan James Arenado, an American professional baseball player known for winning the Rawlings Gold Glove Award in each of his first ten MLB seasons.
- Popularity: Nolan is very popular, ranked #60 in the U.S., #44 in France, and #72 in Belgium in 2021.
Nollie
Nollie is believed to be a Latin and Scandinavian variation of Oliver but has several meanings. Nollie also means “flowering tree,” “the one who is closer to Oliver,” and “Magnolia.”
- Origin: Latin, English
- Meaning: Olive tree
- Pronunciation: naa-lee
- Namesakes: Nollie Felts, an American football player known as a member of the athletics hall of fame for the University of Southern Mississippi and Tulane University.
- Popularity: Nollie is a rare name worldwide.
Noman
Noman is a Muslim given name with a good meaning linked directly to the blessings of Allah. Another fascinating namesake is An-Numan ibn Muqarrin, a companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Blood, councilor, men with the blessing of Allah
- Pronunciation: noow-MAN
- Variations: Nouman, Nu’man, Noumaan, Numan
- Namesakes: Noman Masood, a Pakistani TV actor known for his work in many PTV dramas.
- Popularity: Noman is a popular name in all Muslim countries.
Noor
Noor derives from the Arabic “Nur,” a term in the Islamic context referring to the “cold light of the night” or “heatless light” like that of the moon. This light symbolizes God’s guidance and knowledge.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Light, the divine light
- Pronunciation: Noo-er, NOOR
- Variations: Nur, Nor, Nour
- Namesakes: Noor Sabri, an Iraqi professional goalkeeper who played for the Iraqi national team.
- Popularity: Noor is a popular name, ranked #857 in the U.S., #269 in England, and #20 in Belgium in 2021.
Norbert
Norbert derives from two Germanic words, “nord,” meaning “north,” and “beraht,” meaning “bright.” Norbert is the name of a saint from the Middle Ages.
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: Northern brightness
- Pronunciation: NAWR-behrt, NOR-burt
- Namesakes: Norbert Leo Butz, an American actor, and singer known for being a two-time winner of the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
- Popularity: Norbert is popular in some countries in Eastern Europe and ranked #123 in Poland in 2020.
Norbu
Norbu is a Tibetan masculine name that refers to the “Three Jewels,” the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Their spiritual power can free beings from the clutches of cyclic existence and its never-ending rebirths.
- Origin: Tibetan
- Meaning: Precious gem
- Pronunciation: nor-BOO
- Namesakes: Tsewang Norbu, a Tibetan singer known in China for performing in various shows.
- Popularity: Norbu is an uncommon name worldwide.
Nori
Nori was a kanji word in Japanese culture before it was used as a baby name. Nori translates to “ceremony” or “rites” in English. The transition from a boy’s name to a gender-neutral name occurred in America from the mid to late 20th-century.
- Origin: Japanese, Hebrew
- Meaning: Doctrine, ceremony, rites, peaceful
- Pronunciation: nor-ee, NO-ree
- Variations: Noori, Noorie, Norie, Nory, Noory, Nouri, Nourie, Noury
- Namesakes: Norichika “Nori” Aoki, a Japanese professional baseball player for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball.
- Popularity: Nori is an uncommon name worldwide.
Norio
Norio is a Japanese boy’s name that also means “male, masculine.” It has various meanings depending on the kanji symbols used, including “man of principles.” The variations imply that Norio is a good and well-balanced name.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Beginning, law, rule, goodness
- Pronunciation: No-ree-oh
- Namesakes: Norio Hirate, a Japanese speed skater who competed at the 1972 and 1976 Winter Olympics.
- Popularity: Norio is a common name in Japan.
Norman
Norman derives from an Old Germanic byname meaning “northman,” used for someone of Scandinavian ancestry or from Normandy, France. The Normans who settled in France and then conquered England were Vikings.
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: Man from the North
- Pronunciation: NAWR-man
- Variations: Normann, Normand
- Namesakes: Norman Ray Bridwell, an American author and cartoonist best known for the Big Red Dog book series.
- Popularity: Norman is a widely used given name but is uncommon today.
Norris
Norris began as an English surname for people who migrated from the North. Norris derives from the Old French “norrice” or “nurice,” which relates to the word “north.” Norris is often used as a middle name to denote ancestry.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Northerner
- Pronunciation: NAW-ruhs, NOR-iss
- Variations: Noris
- Namesakes: Norris Dewar McWhirter, a British writer who, together with his brother Ross, is known for founding the annual book of Guinness World Records.
- Popularity: Norris was last found on the U.S. charts in 1983 and is uncommon today.
Norton
Norton began as a surname derived from basic Early English words to mean “north settlement.” From a habitational surname, Norton was used as a male given name, which featured on the U.S. charts from 1885 to 1937.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Northern town
- Pronunciation: nAWr-tuhn
- Namesakes: Norton David Zinder, an American biologist known for discovering genetic transduction.
- Popularity: Norton is used in English-speaking countries but is an uncommon name worldwide.
Norwell
Norwell is another name in the group of N names for boys that originally began as a habitation surname. The Norwell surname in England derived from the town of Normanville in Normandy, France.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Northern well, from the north spring
- Pronunciation: Nore-wehl
- Popularity: Norwell is a rare name worldwide.
Notus
Notus derives from Greek mythology and was the name of the god of the south wind and summer. He was the wet, storm-bringing wind of late summer and early autumn.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: The south wind
- Pronunciation: nAW-taws
- Variations: Notos
- Popularity: Notus is a rare name worldwide.
Nova
Nova derives from the Latin “novus,” which means “new.” In the Indigenous American Hopi, Nova means “chaser of butterflies.” Although it’s a gender-neutral name, Nova is used more for girls than boys in the U.S. and Europe.
- Origin: Latin, Hopi Indigenous American
- Meaning: New, fresh, novel
- Pronunciation: nOH-vuh
- Variations: Novah, Noova, Novva, Novvah, Novus
- Namesakes: Nova Arianto Sartono, an Indonesian professional football coach and former player who played for Pelita Bandung Raya.
- Popularity: Nova is a trendy name, ranked #32 in the U.S. and #102 in England in 2021.
Novak
Novak derives from the Slavic word “novy,” meaning “new,” denoting a newcomer to a place. In most languages, Novak is pronounced almost identically, with stress on the first syllable.
- Origin: Slavic, Serbian
- Meaning: New
- Pronunciation: NO-vack
- Variations: Nowak, Novack
- Namesakes: Novak Djokovic, a Serbian professional tennis player ranked the world No. 1 in men’s singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).
- Popularity: Novak is uncommon in English-speaking countries but is common in many Slavic countries.
Nox
Nox derives from Roman mythology and is the name of the goddess of the night, fertility, and prophecy. Nox is the Roman equivalent of the Greek Nyx. Nox is also a variant spelling of the Scottish surname Knox, derived from the Gaelic “cnoc,” meaning “hillock.”
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NOKS
- Variations: Nyx
- Popularity: Nox is an uncommon name worldwide.
Nuada
Nuada stems from Irish mythology and was the first king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a supernatural race. Nuada was also used by semi-legendary Irish kings.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: To acquire, the cloud maker
- Pronunciation: Noo-Ah-Da
- Variations: Nuadu, Nuadat, Nuadha
- Namesakes: Nuadu Finn Fáil, a legendary High King of Ireland of the 11th-century B.C. who took power after he killed his predecessor and his father’s killer, Art Imlech.
- Popularity: Nuada is a rare name worldwide.
Nudd
Nudd is the Welsh form of Nuada and is featured in Welsh mythology and early poetry. In England, Nudd is a variant of Noad, a habitational name for someone who lived near the site of a beacon or signal fire.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: To acquire, the cloud maker
- Variations: Noad
- Popularity: Nudd is a rare name worldwide.
Numen
Numen stems from the first Anglo-Saxon bearer of the name, a stranger or newcomer. The surname Numen is derived from the Old English words “neowe, niwe, nige,” which all mean “new,” and the word “mann,” meaning man.
- Origin: Latin, Anglo-Saxon
- Meaning: Divine will, divinity, divine presence, newcomer
- Pronunciation: noo-men
- Variations: Newman
- Popularity: Numen is a rare name worldwide.
Nunzio
Nunzio means “messenger” in Italian and derives from the Latin “Nuntius.” Nunzio is also the masculine short form of Annunziata.
- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: Messenger, ambassador
- Pronunciation: nOOn-zee-oh, NOON-tsyo
- Variations: Nuncio
- Namesakes: Nunzio Gallo, an Italian singer who achieved 6th place in the 1957 Eurovision Song Contest.
- Popularity: Nunzio is an uncommon name worldwide.
Nuri
Nuri is used by several cultures with different spelling variations, but the name and meaning remain Arabic. Nuri might be used as a diminutive form of a name like Nuria.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Light, my fire
- Pronunciation: Noo-ree
- Variations: Nouri, Noori, Nori, Noory
- Namesakes: Nuri Şahin, a West German-Turkish football manager and former professional player who manages Antalyaspor.
- Popularity: Nuri is an uncommon name worldwide.
Nurlan
Nurlan derives from the Arabic “Nur,” meaning “light,” and Kazakh “ulan,” meaning “young man, soldier.” The element “ulan/lan” is also Turkish for “lion.”
- Origin: Arabic, Kazakh
- Meaning: Light, young man, soldier
- Pronunciation: Nur-LHAN
- Namesakes: Nurlan Mendygaliev, a former Kazakhstan water polo player who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Nurlan is fairly popular in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Nye
Nye is a local Irish surname belonging to the hereditary surname category. Nye is the Welsh diminutive of Aneurin and is mostly used as a middle name, particularly for someone with Welsh ancestry.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Man of honor
- Pronunciation: N-EYE
- Namesakes: William Sanford Nye, an American mechanical engineer, science communicator, and television presenter known as the host of the science education TV show Bill Nye the Science Guy.
- Popularity: Nye is an uncommon given name and surname worldwide.
Nyx
In Greek mythology, Nyx is an ancient primordial goddess of the night. Nyx was feared by many, including Zeus, for her ability to bring sleep upon any mortal human.
- Origin: Greek, French
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: NEEKS
- Variations: Nox
- Popularity: Nyx is mainly used among Greek people but is uncommon worldwide.
N Names for Boys FAQs
What Are Rare Boy Names That Start with N?
Rare boy names that start with N include names like Nanuk and Nevan. A name may be considered rare in the United States but could be very popular in a non-English-speaking country. Many rare names stem from early mythology across the globe, particularly from early Sumerian mythology. Many Native American and Polynesian names also fall into the rare names category.
What Is the New Name for Boys That Starts with N?
The new name for boys could refer to the meaning of the name being “new.” In this case, the Slavic name Novak means “new,” as does the Latin name Neon. The Sanskrit name Naveen is another name that means “new.”
