Top Baby Boy Names That Start With N

Are you looking for N names for boys? Perhaps you have a family tradition, or you think there is just something special about N boy names, either way, have a look through our list of baby boy names that start with N with their meanings to get inspired.

Popular Boy Names That Start With N

A great place to start in your hunt for names is the top 10 N names for boys in the United States. Have a look and see if the perfect N boy name pops up.

1. Noah. Noah tops the chart for N boy names. It’s a Hebrew name meaning “rest” or “repose” and is best known for Noah in the Old Testament for his Ark, which he used to save his family and each animal species from the Great Flood. It wasn’t overly popular in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries until the 1970s, but it grew in popularity from the 1990s, with ER actor Noah Wyle and Noah in the movie and book, The Notebook.

2. Nathan. This Hebrew name means “he gave,” and was the name given to a prophet in the Old Testament. Canadian actor Nathan Fillion and Israeli poet Nathan Alterman are notable examples of the name.

3. Nolan. This is an Anglicized form of the name Ó Nualláin, which has roots in the Irish word nuall, meaning “famous” or “loud.” Baseball player Nolan Ryan is a famous bearer of this name, which has climbed steadily in popularity since the 1970s.

4. Nicholas. Nicholas, also spelled Nicolas (among other spellings), comes from the Greek word that means “victory of the people.” The most famous historical example is Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop in Anatolia (today’s Turkey), who became the basis for Santa Claus. Actors Nicholas Cage and Nicholas Hoult, and writer Nicholas Sparks are contemporary figures with this name.

5. Nathaniel. This name comes from the Hebrew meaning “God has given,” with this spelling being used in the English-speaking world since the Protestant Reformation. Notable Nathaniels include American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne, American football player Nathaniel Hackett, and YouTuber Nathaniel Drew.

6. Nash. Nash was once an English surname from the Middle English phrase meaning “at the ash tree.” Mathematician John Nash is a famous example with this surname. However, as a given name, it gained popularity from the 1990s with the American TV series Nash Bridges.

7. Nico. Nico or Niko is a popular short form of Nicholas and used in Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Finland, Croatia, Georgia, and Slovenia.

8. Nasir. Nasir means “helper” in Arabic and is not only a popular name in the Arab-speaking world but is going up the ranks in the United States.

9. Nehemiah. This biblical name means “Yahweh comforts” in Hebrew and features in the Old Testament in the Book of Nehemiah. He was a leader of the Jews and was responsible for rebuilding Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity.

10.Noel. Noel is the English form of Noël, which means Christmas in French. British Musician Noel Gallagher and playwright Noël Coward are notable examples.

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Unique Boy Names That Start With N

Looking for a unique name for a boy starting with N? From Sumerian mythology to Celtic legend, you’ll find some interesting and uncommon boy names that start with N. 11. Nanna. Although Nanna can be a girls’ name, in Sumerian mythology, Nanna was the Sumerian god of the moon, the son of Enlil, and the husband of Ningal.

12. Nairyosangha. This unique Persian name comes from the Avestan word nairyo, meaning “male,” and sangha, meaning “word.” In Zoroastrian theology, Nairyosangha was an angel who served as a messenger for Ahura Mazda, the god of Zoroastrianism.

13. Nanabozho. This name means “my rabbit” in Ojibwe, a language spoken by indigenous tribes in Canada and parts of the United States. In Anishinaabe legend, Nanabozho is a trickster spirit.

14. Nergüi. This Mongolian name means “no name” and was traditionally given to mislead bad spirits.

15. Nīkau. This Māori name comes from a type of palm tree found in New Zealand.

16. Nuada. Nuada is a name that has its roots in Irish mythology. Nuada was the first king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a supernatural race. It was also a name used by semi-legendary Irish kings.

17. Nodens. Nodens most likely come from the old Celtic root snowdo, meaning “mist” or “haze.” It’s the name of Celtic god associated with healing, fishing, and hunting. It’s possible Nodens could also be the root for other names like the Irish Nuada or the Welsh Nudd.

18. Nynniaw. This old Welsh name appeared in the twelfth century chronicles by Geoffrey of Monmouth and in the Welsh tale of Culwch and Olwen.

19. Nagendra. Nagendra means “lord of snakes” in Sanskrit and is another name for Vasuki, the king of snakes in Hindu mythology.

20. Nurlan. This Kazakh name means “light” and “young man” or “soldier.” It’s used both in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

More Unique Boy Names That Start With N

Choosing a baby name can be fun yet also overwhelming. Watch this video for some exciting facts that could help you find the perfect baby name!

Biblical Names Starting With N for a Boy

You’ll find lots of great biblical names starting with N for boys. A few like Noah, Noel, and Nathaniel even appear in the top 10 N names for boys in the United States, but if you are looking for more ideas for biblical baby names, have a look through these, and you might find the right one for your little boy.

31. Nadab. Nadab means “generous” in Hebrew. The name was used for the son of Aaron in the Old Testament and for the second king of Israel.

32. Nahum. This name means “comforter” in Hebrew and was used for one of the 12 minor prophets in the Old Testament.

33. Naphtali. Naphtali means “my strife” or “my struggle.” This name is used in the Old Testament for the son of Jacob by Rachel’s servant Bilhah, and who became one of the 12 tribes of Israel.

34. Narcissus. Narcissus has roots in Greek mythology, as the beautiful youth taken with his reflection who was turned into a narcissus flower. However, this Greek name meaning “sleep” or “numbness,” appears briefly in the New Testament, in the epistles. It was also borne by a few early saints and used especially in Catholic regions to honor the saints, rather than the character from Greek mythology.

35. Nathanael. This name comes from the Hebrew Netan’el, meaning “God has given.” It is a name used by many characters in the Old Testament and an apostle in the New Testament.

36. Nebo. This name is a form of Nabu, most likely deriving from a Semitic root meaning “to announce.” Although Nabu was used for the Assyrian and Babylonian god of wisdom, letters, and writing, Nebo was the spelling used in the Old Testament for Mount Nebo, where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land before his death.

37. Nebuchadnezzar. This is the Hebrew form of the Akkadian name meaning “Nabu protect my eldest son.” It was the name of kings in the Babylonian empire, including a sixth-century king who captured Jerusalem in the Old Testament.

38. Nereus. This means “water” in Greek and refers to the god of the sea in Greek mythology. In the New Testament, Nereus is used for a Christian in Rome.

39. Nicodemus. Nicodemus comes from the Greek word meaning “victory of the people,” and was used in the New Testament for the character who helps Joseph of Arimathea entomb Jesus.

40. Nimrod. The meaning of Nimrod is uncertain. It could have Akkadian origins or come from the Hebrew word meaning “rebel.” It appeared in the Old Testament, where Nimrod is the great-grandson of Noah.

More Bible Names Starting With N for a Boy

Cool Boy Names That Start With N

Whether you are looking for some cool and unique middle names for boys or cool mythological baby names with an interesting backstory, you’ll be sure to find the best N boy names that have that special something.

51. Naiche. Naiche means “mischief-maker” in Apache and was borne by a nineteenth-century Chiricahua Apache chief.

52. Naram-Sin. This name means “beloved of Sin” in Akkadian, where Sin is the name for a god of the moon. It was also used as a name for a ruler of the Akkadian Empire in the twenty-third century B.C.E.

53. Ninos. Ninos most likely comes from the name of the ancient city of Nineveh in Assyria. Greek historians also say this was the name of the husband of Semiramis and the founder of Nineveh.

54. Neferkare. This Ancient Egyptian name comes from the meaning “the soul of Ra is beautiful,” and was used by several Egyptian pharaohs.

55. Narses. This is the Hellenized form of Narseh, which comes from the Zoroastrian name Nairyosangha. Narses was used by a Byzantine general of Armenian descent who helped restore Italy to the Roman Empire during Justinian I’s reign in the sixth century.

56. Nabopolassar. This Babylonian name means “Nabu protect my son,” coming from the Assyrian and Babylonian god of wisdom. It was also the name of a king of the Babylonian Empire in the seventh century.

57. Nikolaj. This is the Danish and Slovene form of Nicholas. Danish actor of Game of Thrones fame, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, is the most famous example of this name.

58. Naoise. This name has its roots in Ireland, but the meaning is unknown. In Irish mythology, Naoise fled to Scotland with Deirdre, who was meant to marry the king of Ulster.

59. Neo. This is a cool name with various origins. In South Africa, it’s a name used for both boys and girls, meaning “gift” in Tswana. It also means “new” in Greek. Neo is best known for the name given to the main character played by Keanu Reeves in the Matrix movies.

60. Ninurta. Ninurta comes from the Sumerian words nin, meaning “lord,” and urta, “ear of barley.” In Sumerian and Akkadian mythology, Ninurta was a god of agriculture, healing, and hunting and then later associated with war.

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Common Boy Names That Start With N

Didn’t find the right name in the top 10 list of N names for boys? Have a look at these common boy names that start with N if you want to find the right name that’s not too unusual.

71. Neil. Neil has roots in the Irish Niall, which could come from the words meaning “fury,” “passion,” or “hero.” The name changed over the centuries, being adapted and used in the Middle Ages by Norse raiders and then the Normans. Famous Neils include American astronaut and first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, British writer Neil Gaiman, American actor Neil Patrick Harris, and Canadian-American singer Neil Young.

72. Nelson. Nelson comes from the English surname meaning “son of Neil,” most famously borne by British admiral Horatio Nelson. However, as a given name, the most notable example is South African statesman Nelson Mandela, who was born with the name Rolihlahla but was given the name Nelson by a teacher.

73. Neville. Neville was a surname from a place name meaning “new torn” in Norman French. It’s mostly used among British and Australians, with former British prime minister Neville Chamberlain being an example, and Harry Potter character Neville Longbottom being a pop-culture example.

74. Nick. Nick is the most common short form for Nicholas. Musician Nick Cave, pop star Nick Jonas, writer Nick Hornby, and tennis player Nick Kygios are among a few notable Nicks.

75. Nigel. Nigel is a medieval Latinized form of Neil and may come from the Latin word for “black.” It fell out of fashion until the nineteenth century, perhaps getting a comeback thanks to Walter Scott’s novel The Fortunes of Nigel. British celebrity chef Nigel Slater, and British violinist Nigel Kennedy are among a few well-known Nigels.

76. Norman. Norman comes from an old Germanic byname for “north man,” in reference to a Viking. The Normans who settled in France and then conquered England were Vikings. The name likely comes from the Norman settlers in England but died out in the fourteenth century, coming back into fashion in the nineteenth century with C.M. Yonge’s novel The Daisy Chain. Writer Norman Mailer, painter Norman Rockwell, and actor Norman Reedus share this name.

77. Norbert. Norbert comes from the Germanic elements nord, meaning “north,” and beraht, meaning “bright.”

78. Nate. Nate is a short form of the name Nathan or Nathaniel.

79. Niles. Niles comes from the English surname that came from the name Neil. One of the best examples is the character Niles from the American sitcom Frasier.

80. Nikolai. This is a common name in Russia and Bulgaria, being the local form of Nicholas. Writer Nikolai Gogol is a notable example of the name.

More Common Boy Names That Start With N

Cute Boy Names That Start With N

You’ll find some great cute boy names that start with N, from nicknames and diminutives to cute sounding names and meanings.

91. Nacho. Nacho is the diminutive of Ignacio, a Spanish name that comes from a Roman family name with possible Etruscan origins.

92. Nudd. This is the Welsh form of Nuada, and it features in the Welsh legend and early poetry, including Culhwch and Olwen.

93. Nagi. This Arabic name means “intimate friend.”

94. Nando. Nando is the short form of names like Fernando in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian.

95. Nanuk. This name, also spelled Nanuq, means “polar bear” in Inuktitut, the language spoken by the Inuit.

96. Neely. Neely comes from a Scottish surname that is the Anglicized form of a Gaelic name meaning “son of the poet.”

97. Nemo. Nemo means “nobody” in Latin and was made famous after Jules Verne named the captain of the Nautilus with this name in his novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. It was also popularized by the animated movie Finding Nemo.

98. Nicky. Nicky is a diminutive of Nick.

99. Nālani. This Hawaiian boys’ name means “the heavens” or “the chiefs.”

100. Nitya. This Indian name is used for both boys and girls. It means “always” or “eternal” in Sanskrit.

More Cute Boy Names That Start With N

International N Names for Boys

If you’re looking for something cosmopolitan, these international names should do the trick. From Albania to West Africa, have a look through these N names for boys from across the globe!

111. Nikollë. This is the Albanian form of Nicholas, so it could be a good option if you or your family has Albanian roots.

112. Nerses. Nerses is the Armenian form of Narseh, a Persian name coming from Avestan Nairyosangha. Saint Nerses was a fourth-century patriarch of the Armenian church.

113. Niels. Niels is the Danish form of Nicholas and the Dutch short form of Cornelius. It’s most famous for Danish physicist Niels Bohr.

114. Nigul. This is the Estonian form of Nicholas.

115. Narcisse. Narcisse is the French form of Narcissus, which is used for both boys and girls. It’s also used for the narcissus flower.

116. Nii. This is a name from West Africa from a Ga word that’s used as a masculine royal title.

117. Naveen. This Indian name has its roots in the Sanskrit word for “new.” It’s used across India and among those with Indian heritage, like with Anglo-Indian actor, Naveen Andrews.

118. Njáll. This is the old Norse form of Niall and was the name of a hero in the thirteenth-century Icelandic saga, Njáls Saga, which was based on the life of an Icelandic chieftain in the tenth century.

119. Nnamdi. Nnamdi means “my father is alive” in Igbo. It’s traditionally given to a child that’s believed to be a reincarnation of his grandfather.

120. Niccolò. This is the Italian form of Nicholas. Political philosopher and author of The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli, is perhaps the most famous example of the name.

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Strong and Powerful Boy Names Starting With N

You’ll find powerful N boys’ names from history and mythology to names that have their roots in words with strong meanings. Have a look at these powerful boy names and see if any of them inspire you on your baby-naming journey.

131. Nabu-Kudurri-Usur. This name is the Akkadian form of Nebuchadnezzar.

132. Nándor. This Hungarian name originally referred to Bulgarian people who lived along the Danube, but it’s been used as a Hungarian short form of Ferdinand since the nineteenth century.

133. Napoleon. The origins behind the name Napoleon are unknown, but some say it could come from the Germanic Nibelungen, meaning the “sons of mist,” however, others say it could have a connection to the Italian city of Naples. It’s, of course, best known for the French emperor Napoléon Bonaparte, but it also made a comeback in pop culture with the film Napoleon Dynamite.

134. Narayana. Narayana means “path of man” in Sanskrit. This is also the name of the god of creation in Hinduism.

135. Neptune. Although the meaning behind Neptune is uncertain, some say it could be related to the Indo-European root nebh, meaning “wet” or “damp.” In Roman mythology, Neptune was the god of the sea—the equivalent of the Greek god Poseidon. It’s also the name of the eighth planet in the solar system.

136. Nazzareno. This is an Italian form of Nazarenus, meaning “from Nazareth,” referring to the town where Jesus lived.

137. Nedeljko. This name is derived from the Croatian nedjelja, and Serbian nedelja, meaning “Sunday.”

138. Nero. Nero was a name used in ancient Rome, and perhaps has Sabine origins, meaning “strong” or “vigorous.” It was most famously borne by a Roman emperor in the first century. It’s also used today in Italy but can be a short form of Raniero.

139. Nenad. This means “unexpected” in Serbian and Croatian, and even features in the Serbian folk song Predrag and Nenad.

140. Neoptolemus. Neoptolemus means “new war” in Greek. It was the name given to the son of Achilles.

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The Bottom Line

Want to keep the baby-naming party going? Then why not go down the alphabet over to boy names that start with O. Or perhaps you want to cast the net into more international waters, in which case, have a look at these Indian boy names, Spanish baby boy names, or Mexican baby names to get some great ideas! Whether you are at the stage of packing your hospital bag for the big day or you’re just figuring out when your baby is due with a due date calculator, there is no time like the present to download the Pampers Club app, to get rewards and discounts just for buying diapers and wipes.