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nova

/ NO-vah /

unisex

Meaning

New; star

Origin

Latin

Nova is the Latin word for 'new'. In astronomy, a nova is a star that suddenly increases in brightness. It came into use as a given name in the early 20th century but became a modern hit in the 2010s, fitting the trend for celestial, short, and punchy names ending in 'a'.

Personality Distribution

MBTI Profile

Approximate distribution among people named nova.

NT AnalystsNF DiplomatsSJ SentinelsSP Explorers
ENFP
15.6%
ESFP
13.8%
ENFJ
11.25%
ISFP
10.1%
INFJ
9.4%
INFP
8.75%
ENTP
7.6%
ISFJ
6.8%
ESFJ
5.4%
INTP
4.1%
ISTP
3.2%
INTJ
2.5%
ISTJ
1.1%
ENTJ
0.4%
ESTP
0%
ESTJ
0%

Cultural Context

Cultural Notes

Nova is perceived as 'luminous' and 'fresh.' It carries a sense of rebirth and discovery. It is the definition of a 'cosmic' name, favored by parents looking for a name that feels both ancient (Latin) and futuristic (Space).

Notable People

Famous Bearers

N

Nova Peris

Australian athlete and first Indigenous woman elected to the federal parliament (b. 1971)

N

Nova Pilbeam

British stage and film actress of the 1930s (1919–2015)

N

Nova Rockafeller

Canadian-American independent rapper (b. 1988)

Sibling Names

Goes well with