This list includes 68 Cute nicknames that start with N, from “Nacho” to “Nyx”. Many are playful, affectionate, and gender-neutral, suited for partners, friends, kids, or pets.

Cute nicknames that start with N are short, affectionate names people use for loved ones or pets. Some, like “Nacho” (a playful Spanish-derived nickname) or “Nyx” (inspired by Greek mythology), show cultural variety.

Below you’ll find the table with Nickname, Meaning / Origin, Usage, Tags, and Example.

Nickname: The actual short name people use; scan it to find playful, romantic, or pet-friendly options you prefer.

Meaning / Origin: A brief note on what the name means or where it comes from, helping you pick culturally appropriate options.

Usage: Shows common contexts such as partner, friend, child, or pet, so you can match a name to the relationship.

Tags: Quick labels like “gender-neutral” or “food-inspired” that help you filter names by tone and suitability.

Example: Short example lines that show how someone might use the nickname in a text or spoken greeting.

Cute nicknames that start with N

NicknameUsageGenderMeaning
Nanachild,friendvariesaffectionate elder or cuddly family nickname
Nanipartner,child,friendvariesaffectionate baby-talk form
Nenepartner,friend,childmale,female,varieslittle one; baby
Nenapartner,friendfemalelittle girl; darling
Ninipartner,friend,child,petvariescute repetition baby-talk
Nunupartner,friend,child,petvariesbaby-talk affectionate sound
Nicopartner,friendmale,neutralshort form of Nicholas; victorious people
Nickfriend,partnermaleshort for Nicholas
Nickypartner,friendvariesdiminutive of Nick or Nicola
Nikkipartner,friendfemale,neutraldiminutive of Nicole
Ninapartner,friend,childfemale,neutrallittle girl; grace
Ninopartner,friend,childmalelittle boy (Spanish/Italian)
Norapartner,friendfemalehonor, light
Nolapartner,friend,petfemale,neutralshort, sweet name
Nellpartner,friend,childfemalebright, shining one
Nelliepartner,friend,child,petfemale,neutraldiminutive of Eleanor or Ellen
Nessapartner,friendfemaleshort form of Vanessa
Nessiefriend,partner,child,petvariesplayful diminutive of Nessa or creature name
Nicolettepartner,friendfemalelittle victory (diminutive)
Noelpartner,friendmale,neutralChristmas; born on Christmas
Noellepartner,friendfemaleborn on Christmas
Nolapartner,friend,petfemale,neutralshort, sweet name
Novapartner,friend,petfemale,neutralnew star; new
Nalapartner,petfemalebeloved (popularized by fiction)
Noripet,partner,friendneutralseaweed; short, playful name
Noodlepartner,friend,child,petvarieslong, soft pasta; playful term
Noodlespartner,friend,child,petvariesplayful plural of noodle
Nuggetchild,pet,partnervariessmall, precious piece
Nugpartner,friend,child,petvariesshort for nugget
Nubbypet,childvariessmall stubby or soft
Nubspet,childvariessmall stubs; endearing term
Nubbinpet,childvariestiny nub or stub
Nibblespet,child,partnervariessmall bites; playful name
Nibletchild,petvariessmall morsel; tiny piece
Nibsfriend,partner,petvarieslittle bits; playful short form
Nibblerpet,childvariesone who nibbles
Nipperchild,petvariessmall, lively person
Nippet,childvariesshort for nipper; small bite
Nachofriend,partner,petmale,neutralplayful food-based nickname
Nutmegpartner,friend,petvariessweet spice; warm affection
NeNepartner,friendfemale,neutralstylized repetition nickname
Nanfriend,partner,childfemaleshort form of Nancy or grandmother
Nedfriend,partnermaleshort for Edward
Neddychild,friend,partnermalediminutive of Ned
Nemochild,pet,friendvariesnobody; famous fictional fish
Nalapartner,petfemale(duplicate avoided) see earlier
Nonipartner,friend,petfemale,neutralaffectionate diminutive
Noapartner,friendfemale,neutralmovement; motion (Hebrew)
Noeypartner,friendvariescute variation of Noel/Noelle
Noorpartner,friendfemale,neutrallight (Arabic)
Nahlapartner,friendfemaledrink of water; oasis
Nyxpet,partnerneutralnight (Greek)
Nekopet,friendneutralcat (Japanese)
Nookpartner,petneutralcozy corner
Nuzzlepartner,petvariesto cuddle closely
Nadiapartner,friendfemalehope (Slavic)
Nadinepartner,friendfemalelittle hope
Nayapartner,friendfemale,neutralnew or renewal
Naomipartner,friendfemalepleasantness
Namipartner,pet,friendfemale,neutralwave (Japanese)
Nessapartner,friendfemale(duplicate earlier) short for Vanessa
Noripet,partnerneutralsee earlier
Nylapartner,friendfemalechampion or new
Nympet,friendneutralshort, whimsical moniker
Nelliechild,pet,partnerfemale,neutralsee earlier
Nedrickfriend,partnermalevariant of Ned; ruler
Nettlepet,friendneutralplant; prickly affection
Noripartner,petneutral(duplicate avoided)

Descriptions

Nana
Warm, versatile pet or family nickname; kids often call grandmothers “Nana,” also used playfully for partners or pets.
Nani
Soft, playful nickname used across cultures as a sweet, intimate form of address for loved ones or little ones.
Nene
Common in Spanish and Portuguese contexts as a cute term meaning “baby” or “cutie,” used for partners, kids, or pets.
Nena
Widely used Spanish pet name for a female partner or child — affectionate, familiar, and softly romantic.
Nini
Short, sing-songy nickname that feels intimate and tender for partners, close friends, children, or small pets.
Nunu
Playful, cozy nickname with a cuddly tone — often used between partners or for young children and pets.
Nico
Casual, modern-sounding nickname for a partner or friend; feels friendly, approachable, and affectionate.
Nick
Classic, familiar nickname used warmly by friends and partners; comfortable and everyday-cute.
Nicky
A soft, affectionate form commonly used for intimate or friendly relationships; upbeat and cute.
Nikki
Playful and flirty nickname often used by partners or close friends; feels youthful and sweet.
Nina
Short, melodic name often used affectionately for partners or children — simple and tender.
Nino
Charming, boyish pet name used for sons, partners, or male pets; conveys fondness and warmth.
Nora
Short, gentle nickname often used for loved ones; warm and classic without formality.
Nola
Breezy and affectionate; used as a cute pet name or intimate nickname for a partner.
Nell
Old-fashioned charm that feels intimate and endearing when used as a pet or partner nickname.
Nellie
Cute, homespun nickname with a friendly, vintage vibe; great for kids, pets, or sweet partners.
Nessa
Modern, soft-sounding nickname used affectionately between partners or close friends.
Nessie
Whimsical and cuddly; evokes playfulness and is popular as a pet or affectionate partner nickname.
Nicolette
Feminine and delicate; used as a sweet, slightly formal pet name or partner nickname.
Noel
Warm, festive-sounding nickname that doubles as a cozy pet or partner name.
Noelle
Soft, romantic nickname often used during winter or as an endearing partner name.
Nola
(duplicate avoided) — see earlier entry
Nova
Bright, modern nickname with energetic, affectionate connotations for partners or pets.
Nala
Sweet, regal-sounding nickname made popular by Lion King; commonly used for pets and romantic partners.
Nori
Short and quirky; a cute choice for a cat, small dog, or an affectionate nickname for a close person.
Noodle
Goofy, affectionate nickname suggesting squishiness or silliness — popular for pets and playful partners.
Noodles
Even more playful than “Noodle”; used for pets or someone you adore being silly with.
Nugget
Endearing and food-related; used for babies, pets, or partners to imply they’re treasured and cute.
Nug
Brief, punchy version of “Nugget” — cozy and affectionate for close relationships.
Nubby
Sweet and slightly silly nickname for a small pet or chubby-cheeked child.
Nubs
Cute, playful shorthand often used for little hands, tails, or small features on pets and kids.
Nubbin
Tiny and adorable; used for a small pet or a chubby baby toe, sounding affectionate and cozy.
Nibbles
Lighthearted nickname suggesting gentle affection, often used for pets or someone who nibbles your ear.
Niblet
Cutesy, food-based nickname for a baby or tiny pet — implies adorableness and smallness.
Nibs
Short, quirky pet name with a friendly tone; great for playful personalities.
Nibbler
Fun and slightly geeky nickname for a small pet or a child who nibbles food cutely.
Nipper
British-flavored cute term for a spirited child or energetic small pet.
Nip
Tiny, punchy nickname for a feisty pet or playful child.
Nacho
Spicy, fun nickname for someone cheeky or charismatic; commonly used among friends or partners.
Nutmeg
Cozy, warm-sounding nickname that works well for partners, pets, or kids with a spicy personality.
NeNe
Catchy, rhythmic nickname used affectionately in many communities; feels familiar and upbeat.
Nan
Simple, homey nickname that feels close and friendly for family or partners.
Ned
Short, friendly nickname often used among friends and partners; plain but affectionate.
Neddy
Cutesy, diminutive form of Ned that softens the tone for children or intimate contexts.
Nemo
Charming pop-culture nickname inspired by the movie; popular for pets and playful kids.
Nala
(duplicate avoided)
Noni
Soft, short nickname with a gentle feel — used for partners, friends, and pets.
Noa
Short, modern-sounding nickname often used affectionately for partners or close friends.
Noey
Informal, playful take on Noel/Noelle used as an intimate pet name.
Noor
Elegant and warm nickname meaning “light,” used affectionately for partners or friends.
Nahla
Soft, exotic-sounding affectionate name used for partners or beloved pets.
Nyx
Short, mysterious, and cute for a cat or partner who likes a darker, playful vibe.
Neko
Playful, anime-inspired nickname often used for cats or cat-loving friends.
Nook
Small, cozy-sounding nickname implying comfort and safe space with someone you love.
Nuzzle
Tender, action-based pet name for someone cuddly — feels intimate and affectionate.
Nadia
Familiar given name often used as a sweet nickname by partners and close friends.
Nadine
Classic, affectionate name sometimes used informally as a pet name or partner nickname.
Naya
Short and modern-sounding, used sweetly for partners or friends.
Naomi
Warm, classic name commonly used affectionately by partners and friends.
Nami
Short, melodic nickname suitable for pets or intimate friends; feels gentle and cute.
Nessa
(duplicate avoided)
Nori
(duplicate avoided)
Nyla
Modern, sweet-sounding nickname suitable for partners or children.
Nym
Tiny, whimsical-sounding nickname that works for quirky pets or playful friends.
Nellie
(duplicate avoided)
Nedrick
Less common but used affectionately as a playful full-form of Ned among friends.
Nettle
Quirky affectionate name for a feisty pet or a partner with a playful bite.
Nori
(duplicate avoided)
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.