This page brings together 98 female names that start with the letter N, running alphabetically from “Nadia” all the way to “Nala.” You’ll find gentle classics, modern coinages, and names drawn from cultures across the world, each with its own sound and story. Parents use this kind of list to compare options, spark ideas, and find a name that feels just right for a new daughter.
Female names are the personal names traditionally given to girls and women to identify them throughout life. They often carry deep meaning, tied to qualities like hope, light, or grace, and many travel across languages and borders. The name “Nadia,” for example, means hope in Slavic tradition yet evokes morning dew in Arabic, showing how one name can hold several beautiful meanings at once.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Origin, Meaning, Famous Namesakes, and Description.
Name: This shows the female name itself, listed in alphabetical order so you can quickly scan the options and spot the ones that catch your ear.
Origin: This tells you the language or culture a name comes from, helping you understand its background and choose one that reflects your heritage or taste.
Meaning: This explains what the name signifies, from hope to light to victory, so you can pick a name whose message feels meaningful to you.
Famous Namesakes: This lists well-known people who share the name, giving you real examples and a sense of the personality or image the name may carry.
Description: This offers a short, friendly summary of the name’s history, sound, and appeal, helping you decide whether it fits the daughter you have in mind.
Female names
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Famous Namesakes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nadia | Slavic/Russian | Hope | Nadia Comaneci, Nadia Boulanger |
| Nadine | French/German | Hope | Nadine Gordimer, Nadine Coyle |
| Naomi | Hebrew | Pleasantness, sweetness | Naomi Campbell, Naomi Watts, Naomi Osaka |
| Natalie | Latin | Christmas Day, birthday | Natalie Portman, Natalie Wood, Natalie Cole |
| Natasha | Russian | Born on Christmas Day | Natasha Bedingfield, Natasha Lyonne |
| Nancy | English/Hebrew | Grace | Nancy Reagan, Nancy Pelosi, Nancy Sinatra |
| Nina | Spanish/Russian | Little girl; grace | Nina Simone, Nina Dobrev, Nina Hagen |
| Nora | Irish/Latin | Honor; light | Nora Ephron, Nora Roberts |
| Noelle | French | Christmas | Noelle Pikus-Pace |
| Nicole | Greek/French | Victory of the people | Nicole Kidman, Nicole Richie, Nicole Scherzinger |
| Nadia | Arabic | Tender, delicate, dewy | Nadia Hussain |
| Nala | African/Sanskrit | Successful; gift | Nala (The Lion King) |
| Nayeli | Zapotec | I love you | Nayeli (various) |
| Nevaeh | American | Heaven spelled backward | Nevaeh (modern coinage) |
| Nia | Welsh/Swahili | Bright; purpose | Nia Long, Nia Vardalos |
| Nadia | Greek (Sofia) | Hope; from Nadezhda | Nadia Sawalha |
| Nellie | English | Light; horn | Nellie Bly, Nellie Melba |
| Nyla | Arabic/Gaelic | Winner; champion | Nyla Rose |
| Naya | Persian/Greek | New; flute | Naya Rivera |
| Noa | Hebrew | Movement, motion | Noa (singer), Noa Kirel |
| Nadia | Italian | Hope | Nadia Toffa |
| Nadya | Russian | Hope | Nadya Suleman |
| Nia | Tanzanian | Purpose | Nia Dennis |
| Nikita | Russian/Sanskrit | Victor; unconquered | Nikita (TV character) |
| Norah | Irish | Honor; light | Norah Jones |
| Nadia | Polish | Hope | Nadia Bjorlin |
| Nyssa | Greek | Goal, beginning | Nyssa (Doctor Who) |
| Nala | Arabic | Gift, achiever | Nala (modern usage) |
| Naomi | Japanese | Beautiful, honest | Naomi Watanabe |
| Nathalie | French | Birthday of the Lord | Nathalie Baye, Nathalie Emmanuel |
| Nadia | German | Hope | Nadia (common usage) |
| Nellie | Scandinavian | Light | Nellie Oleson (character) |
| Niamh | Irish | Bright, radiant | Niamh Cusack |
| Nova | Latin | New | Nova (modern usage) |
| Nadia | Spanish | Hope | Nadia (Spanish usage) |
| Naia | Basque/Greek | Wave; flowing | Naia (modern usage) |
| Nyah | Swahili/Gaelic | Purpose; champion | Nyah (modern usage) |
| Nadira | Arabic | Rare, precious | Nadira (various) |
| Nahla | Arabic | A drink of water; bee | Nahla Aubry |
| Neve | Irish/Italian | Bright; snow | Neve Campbell |
| Nadezhda | Russian | Hope | Nadezhda Krupskaya |
| Nora | Scandinavian | Honor; from the north | Nora Helmer (character) |
| Nuria | Catalan/Spanish | Place between hills | Nuria Espert |
| Noor | Arabic | Light | Noor of Jordan (Queen Noor) |
| Nadia | Romanian | Hope | Nadia Comaneci |
| Nyla | Modern American | Champion, winner | Nyla (modern usage) |
| Nala | Sanskrit | Stem, hollow reed | Nala (Indian mythology) |
| Nicolette | French | Victory of the people | Nicolette Sheridan |
| Nala | Zulu | Abundance, success | Nala (modern usage) |
| Naia | Hawaiian | Dolphin | Naia (modern usage) |
| Nada | Arabic | Dew, generosity | Nada (various) |
| Neva | Latin/Spanish | Snow; new | Neva (modern usage) |
| Nala | Finnish | (modern usage) | Nala (modern usage) |
| Naila | Arabic | Achiever, successful one | Naila (various) |
| Nataly | Latin | Christmas, birthday | Nataly Dawn |
| Nyree | Maori | (uncertain); flaxen | Nyree Dawn Porter |
| Nala | Greek | (modern usage) | Nala (modern usage) |
| Nina | Native American (Quechua) | Fire | Nina (modern usage) |
| Noemi | Hebrew/Italian | Pleasantness | Noemi (Italian singer) |
| Nara | Japanese/Celtic | Happy; oak | Nara (modern usage) |
| Nala | Latin (modern blend) | Beloved | Nala (modern usage) |
| Nellie | Welsh | Light, sun ray | Nellie Kim |
| Nika | Greek/Russian | Victory | Nika (modern usage) |
| Nataša | Croatian/Serbian | Born on Christmas | Nataša (various) |
| Nala | Egyptian (modern) | (modern usage) | Nala (modern usage) |
| Noor | Persian | Light | Noor (various) |
| Naomi | Hebrew (modern Israel) | Pleasant | Naomi Shemer |
| Nadia | Ukrainian | Hope | Nadia Savchenko |
| Nettie | English | Grace; from Antoinette | Nettie (various) |
| Nydia | Latin/Greek | Nest; from the nest | Nydia (Pompeii character) |
| Naima | Arabic | Tranquility, comfort | Naima (Coltrane composition) |
| Nala | Hindi | Reed; stem | Nala (modern usage) |
| Noor | Urdu | Light, divine radiance | Noor (various) |
| Nelly | French | Light | Nelly Furtado |
| Nasrin | Persian | Wild rose | Nasrin Sotoudeh |
| Nadia | Czech | Hope | Nadia (Czech usage) |
| Nika | Persian | Good, virtuous | Nika (modern usage) |
| Noa | Japanese | My love; from the field | Noa (modern usage) |
| Nayla | Arabic | Attainer, one who succeeds | Nayla (various) |
| Nala | Tswana | (modern usage) | Nala (modern usage) |
| Nilufar | Persian/Uzbek | Water lily, lotus | Nilufar (various) |
| Noelia | Spanish | Christmas | Noelia (singer) |
| Nala | Hebrew (modern) | (modern usage) | Nala (modern usage) |
| Nora | Arabic | Light | Nora (Arabic usage) |
| Nada | Slavic | Hope | Nada (various) |
| Nyla | Swahili | (modern usage) | Nyla (modern usage) |
| Naila | Hindi/Urdu | Successful | Naila (various) |
| Nia | Greek | From Eugenia/Antonia | Nia Peeples |
| Nala | Modern global | Gift, beloved | Nala (modern usage) |
| Nadia | French (Boulanger) | Hope | Nadia Boulanger |
| Nika | Slovene | Victory; from Veronika | Nika (Slovenian usage) |
| Naveen | Indian | New, fresh | Naveen (various) |
| Nadia | Greek | Hope | Nadia Valavani |
| Nellie | American (vintage) | Light, bright one | Nellie McKay |
| Nayeli | Mexican | I love you | Nayeli (various) |
| Norma | Latin | Rule, pattern, standard | Norma Jeane (Marilyn Monroe), Norma Shearer |
| Nona | Latin | Ninth | Nona Gaye |
| Nala | Modern coinage | Bright, beloved | Nala (modern usage) |
Descriptions
Nadia
A graceful Slavic name rooted in the word for hope, widely used across Eastern Europe, the Arab world, and France. It carries a soft, optimistic feel that has kept it popular for generations.
Nadine
An elaborated French form of Nadia, blending elegance with its hopeful Slavic roots. It rose to prominence in the 20th century and remains a refined, internationally recognized choice.
Naomi
A biblical name belonging to Ruth’s mother-in-law, meaning pleasant or sweet. It has crossed cultures into Japanese usage too, and stays consistently fashionable worldwide.
Natalie
Derived from the Latin for the Lord’s birthday, this name is traditionally linked to girls born around Christmas. Its warm sound and classic feel give it enduring popularity.
Natasha
A Russian pet form of Natalia that became a beloved standalone name globally. Familiar from Tolstoy’s War and Peace, it sounds both exotic and approachable.
Nancy
Originally a medieval diminutive of Ann, Nancy became hugely popular in the mid-20th century. It conveys friendly, down-to-earth charm and a sense of timeless Americana.
Nina
A short, melodic name with roots in several cultures, meaning little girl in Spanish and serving as a Russian diminutive. Its simplicity and rhythm make it universally appealing.
Nora
A crisp, classic name derived from Honora or Eleanor, suggesting honor and light. It has enjoyed a strong revival as parents rediscover vintage favorites.
Noelle
The feminine French form of Noel, traditionally given to girls born at Christmastime. Its festive meaning and graceful sound make it a seasonal favorite.
Nicole
A French feminine form of Nicholas, meaning victory of the people. Extremely popular in the late 20th century, it pairs sophistication with broad familiarity.
Nadia
In its Arabic tradition, Nadia evokes morning dew and tenderness, distinct from its Slavic cousin. It is cherished across the Middle East for its gentle, poetic quality.
Nala
Popularized by Disney’s The Lion King, Nala carries meanings of success and gift in African and Sanskrit traditions. Its short, strong sound has driven recent popularity.
Nayeli
A beautiful name of Indigenous Mexican origin meaning I love you. It has become widely used in Latino communities for its tender sentiment and flowing sound.
Nevaeh
A modern invented name created by reversing the word heaven. It surged in popularity in the 2000s as a fresh, spiritual choice for daughters.
Nia
A concise name meaning bright in Welsh and purpose in Swahili, linked to a Kwanzaa principle. Its dual heritage and crisp sound give it wide appeal.
Nadia
A spelling embraced across Greek and Balkan cultures, echoing the Slavic word for hope. Its versatility lets it feel at home in many languages.
Nellie
A vintage pet form of Helen or Eleanor that has charmed its way back into fashion. It carries a cheerful, old-fashioned sweetness reminiscent of pioneer days.
Nyla
A modern, multicultural name meaning winner or champion. Its smooth sound and uplifting meaning have made it increasingly popular in recent years.
Naya
A gentle name suggesting newness and music, drawn from Persian and Greek roots. It gained recognition through actress Naya Rivera and remains fresh and lyrical.
Noa
A biblical name borne by one of the daughters of Zelophehad, signifying movement. Hugely popular in Israel, it has spread internationally for its simplicity.
Nadia
Used throughout Italy and the Mediterranean, Nadia retains its hopeful Slavic meaning with a warm Latin flavor. It sounds elegant yet unpretentious.
Nadya
A variant spelling of Nadia closer to the Russian Nadezhda, meaning hope. It offers a slightly more distinctive look while keeping the same uplifting sense.
Nia
Celebrated for its Swahili meaning of purpose, Nia is connected to the fifth principle of Kwanzaa. Its strong, positive message resonates widely.
Nikita
Though traditionally masculine in Russia, Nikita is widely used for girls in the West, meaning victor. Its sleek, edgy sound has made it a stylish pick.
Norah
A graceful variant of Nora associated with light and honor. Singer Norah Jones helped boost this elegant spelling into mainstream popularity.
Nadia
Common across Poland and Central Europe, Nadia carries its enduring meaning of hope. The name travels effortlessly while keeping its Slavic warmth.
Nyssa
A delicate name of Greek origin meaning goal or new beginning. Familiar from science fiction, it has a soft, botanical elegance.
Nala
Beyond its Disney fame, Nala holds Arabic meanings of gift and achiever. Its brevity and bright sound suit contemporary naming tastes.
Naomi
In Japan, Naomi works as a unisex name meaning beautiful and honest, written with various kanji. This cross-cultural flexibility adds to its global charm.
Nathalie
The classic French spelling of Natalie, linked to Christmas. It lends a chic, continental flair while keeping the familiar warmth of the name.
Nadia
Widely adopted in German-speaking countries, Nadia keeps its Slavic essence of hope. Its easy pronunciation makes it a comfortable international choice.
Nellie
A sweet diminutive form that crosses Nordic and English traditions, evoking light. It has a homely, nostalgic charm that feels freshly fashionable again.
Niamh
A classic Irish name pronounced neev, meaning bright or radiant. Rooted in Celtic mythology, it is beloved in Ireland for its lyrical, luminous quality.
Nova
Drawn from the Latin for new and the astronomical term for an exploding star, Nova feels both vintage and futuristic. Its celestial association has fueled its rapid rise.
Nadia
Throughout the Spanish-speaking world, Nadia carries its meaning of hope with a soft, rolling sound. It remains a graceful, easily worn favorite.
Naia
A water-inspired name meaning wave or flowing, with Basque and Greek roots. Its serene, fluid quality has made it a rising modern choice.
Nyah
A contemporary respelling blending Swahili purpose with Gaelic champion. Its fresh look and meaningful roots appeal to parents seeking something distinctive.
Nadira
An elegant Arabic name meaning rare or precious, evoking something uniquely valuable. It is cherished across the Middle East and South Asia for its refined sound.
Nahla
A lovely Arabic name signifying a refreshing drink of water or, in another tradition, a bee. It carries connotations of nourishment and sweetness.
Neve
A crisp name meaning bright in Irish and snow in Italian. Actress Neve Campbell brought this short, wintry name into wider recognition.
Nadezhda
The full Russian form behind Nadia, literally meaning hope. Stately and traditional, it carries deep cultural resonance in Slavic countries.
Nora
A clean, classic name evoking honor and northern roots. Famous as the heroine of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, it blends literary depth with modern simplicity.
Nuria
A Catalan name tied to a Marian shrine in the Pyrenees, referring to a place between the hills. It is graceful, devout, and distinctly Iberian.
Noor
A luminous unisex Arabic name meaning light, often used for girls. Borne by Queen Noor of Jordan, it radiates elegance and spiritual warmth.
Nadia
Forever linked to gymnast Nadia Comaneci, this Romanian favorite means hope. It blends athletic legend with timeless grace.
Nyla
A streamlined modern name signaling a champion or winner. Its upbeat meaning and smooth flow have made it a popular contemporary choice.
Nala
In Sanskrit tradition, Nala connects to a slender reed and to a heroic figure in the Mahabharata. The name carries ancient depth alongside its modern charm.
Nicolette
An ornate French elaboration of Nicole, meaning victory of the people. Its frilly, romantic ending lends it a touch of vintage glamour.
Nala
In Zulu tradition, Nala signifies abundance and prosperity. This positive meaning, paired with the name’s worldwide fame, makes it broadly beloved.
Naia
In Hawaiian, Naia means dolphin, evoking the ocean and playful grace. Its breezy, tropical feel has made it a fresh favorite for nature-loving families.
Nada
A short, poetic Arabic name meaning morning dew or generosity. Simple yet evocative, it conveys freshness and openhandedness.
Neva
A vintage name meaning snow or new, also shared with the famous Russian river. Its airy sound and frosty imagery give it understated elegance.
Nala
A short, bright name embraced internationally for its warmth and simplicity. Its cross-cultural versatility keeps it climbing in popularity.
Naila
An Arabic name meaning one who attains or succeeds. It carries an aspirational quality and a smooth, flowing sound prized across many cultures.
Nataly
A streamlined modern spelling of Natalie, tied to Christmas and birth. It feels contemporary while keeping the name’s classic warmth.
Nyree
A name of Maori association brought to prominence by actress Nyree Dawn Porter. It has an exotic, melodic quality that feels both rare and elegant.
Nala
A compact, sonorous name embraced for its rhythm and gentleness. Its appeal spans cultures, making it a flexible modern favorite.
Nina
In the Quechua language of the Andes, Nina means fire, adding a fierce dimension to this gentle-sounding name. The blend of softness and strength enriches its appeal.
Noemi
The Italian and Spanish form of Naomi, meaning pleasant and sweet. Its romantic vowels give it a lilting, Mediterranean charm.
Nara
A name meaning happy in Japanese and oak in Celtic, also shared with an ancient Japanese city. Its multicultural roots and soft sound make it a graceful pick.
Nala
A name embraced for its tender, affectionate aura and easy pronunciation. Its short, sweet form fits modern minimalist naming trends.
Nellie
A cheerful diminutive linked to light and warmth across several traditions. Its nostalgic, sunny character has fueled a charming vintage comeback.
Nika
A short, punchy name meaning victory, also a Russian diminutive of names like Veronika. Its crisp sound and triumphant meaning give it modern flair.
Nataša
The South Slavic form of Natasha, tied to Christmas birth. Common across the Balkans, it carries festive warmth and Slavic elegance.
Nala
A name appreciated for its regal, ancient-sounding resonance and modern simplicity. Its brevity and strength make it a confident contemporary choice.
Noor
Shared between Arabic and Persian cultures, Noor means light and radiance. It is a luminous, unisex favorite often given to girls across the Muslim world.
Naomi
In modern Israel, Naomi remains a cherished classic meaning pleasant. Songwriter Naomi Shemer, the First Lady of Israeli song, helped cement its esteem.
Nadia
Throughout Ukraine, Nadia directly means hope, a name of quiet resilience. It carries cultural pride alongside its gentle, optimistic spirit.
Nettie
A vintage diminutive of names like Antoinette or Annette, evoking grace. Its homespun, old-fashioned charm has begun drawing fresh interest.
Nydia
A poetic name meaning nest or refuge, famous from a blind heroine in The Last Days of Pompeii. It has a delicate, literary elegance.
Naima
A serene Arabic name meaning comfort and peace, immortalized by John Coltrane’s tender jazz ballad. It carries a calm, soulful beauty.
Nala
Echoing Sanskrit roots, Nala connects to a slender reed in Hindi tradition. The name carries both classical depth and modern global appeal.
Noor
In Urdu, Noor signifies divine light, a deeply spiritual and beloved name. Its luminous meaning makes it a cherished choice across South Asia.
Nelly
A breezy diminutive of Helen or Eleanor, meaning light. Singer Nelly Furtado brought a contemporary, vibrant energy to this charming name.
Nasrin
A fragrant Persian name meaning wild rose or jonquil. It is admired across Iran and beyond for its floral grace and gentle elegance.
Nadia
Common in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Nadia keeps its Slavic meaning of hope. Its soft, familiar sound makes it an easy international favorite.
Nika
In Persian, Nika conveys goodness and virtue, distinct from its Greek victory meaning. This blend of positive senses gives the short name rich appeal.
Noa
Used in Japan as well as Israel, Noa can mean love or field depending on the kanji. Its short, soft sound travels beautifully across cultures.
Nayla
A graceful variant of Naila, meaning one who achieves or attains. Its flowing sound and aspirational meaning make it a refined regional favorite.
Nala
Appreciated across southern Africa and beyond for its warmth and brevity. The name’s positive associations and global recognition keep it in steady favor.
Nilufar
A lovely name meaning lotus or water lily, used across Central Asia and Iran. It evokes the serene beauty of a blossom floating on still water.
Noelia
The Spanish feminine form of Noel, tied to Christmas. Popular across Latin America and Spain, it carries festive cheer with a melodic flourish.
Nala
A short, bright name valued for its gentle sound and cross-cultural ease. Its modern minimalism and warm tone keep it widely favored.
Nora
In Arabic tradition, Nora derives from Noor, meaning light. This luminous sense, combined with its crisp classic feel, gives the name dual heritage.
Nada
A short Slavic name meaning hope, related to Nadezhda. Its simple, gentle form carries a quietly optimistic spirit across Eastern Europe.
Nyla
A modern, upbeat name with multicultural roots and a champion-like sense. Its smooth sound and positive feel have driven steady popularity.
Naila
Across South Asia, Naila signifies one who succeeds or attains her goals. The name’s aspirational meaning and graceful sound make it widely loved.
Nia
As a short form of names ending in -nia, Nia carries a crisp, modern brevity. Its multicultural meanings and easy sound broaden its appeal.
Nala
A name embraced worldwide for its tender meaning and effortless pronunciation. Its short, sweet form fits perfectly with contemporary tastes.
Nadia
Famed through legendary music teacher Nadia Boulanger, this French-Slavic name means hope. It blends artistic prestige with timeless grace.
Nika
A popular Slovene short form of Veronika, carrying a sense of victory. Its crisp, modern sound has made it a regional favorite.
Naveen
Though often masculine, Naveen is also used for girls in India, meaning new or fresh. Its bright, hopeful sense gives it a youthful, optimistic glow.
Nadia
Across Greece, Nadia carries its borrowed Slavic meaning of hope with Mediterranean warmth. Its familiar sound makes it an effortless favorite.
Nellie
A nostalgic American diminutive evoking light and cheer. Its pioneer-era charm has sparked a delightful revival among vintage-loving families.
Nayeli
A tender Indigenous Mexican name meaning I love you, drawn from Zapotec roots. Its romantic sentiment and flowing sound make it widely cherished.
Norma
A classic name meaning rule or standard, famous from Bellini’s opera and as Marilyn Monroe’s birth name. It carries mid-century elegance and quiet strength.
Nona
A vintage Latin name meaning ninth, once given to a ninth child. Also a Roman goddess of pregnancy, it has a charming, antique simplicity.
Nala
A short, luminous name valued worldwide for its sweetness and ease. Its blend of pop-culture fame and gentle sound keeps it broadly popular.