Here you’ll find 51 American boy names that start with N, organized from “Nabil” to “Norris”. They include biblical, English, Arabic, and modern choices and help with naming or name-research tasks.
American boy names that start with N are given names used for boys in the United States starting with N. Names like Noah and Nathan illustrate how biblical and modern trends shape popularity.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Pronunciation, Origin/Meaning, Popularity, and Source.
Name: The written form of each name so you can scan spellings and compare variants quickly.
Pronunciation: A concise phonetic guide showing how to say each name so you pronounce them correctly.
Origin/Meaning: A one-line note on the name’s linguistic root and basic meaning to show cultural context.
Popularity: A brief indicator of U.S. usage, such as SSA rank or general frequency, to help judgment.
Source: A short citation showing where pronunciation, meaning, or popularity came from for further reading.
American boy names that start with N
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning/Origin | U.S. popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noah | NOH-uh | Hebrew; “rest, comfort” | Rank 2 (2023) |
| Nick | NIK | Greek/Latin; short for Nicholas, “victory of the people” | unranked |
| Nate | NAYT | Hebrew; short for Nathan/Nathaniel, “given” or “gift of God” | unranked |
| Nathan | NAY-than | Hebrew; “he gave” or “gift” | unranked |
| Nathaniel | NAY-thuh-nyul | Hebrew; “gift of God” | unranked |
| Nicholas | NIK-uh-luhs | Greek; “victory of the people” | unranked |
| Nico | NEE-koh | Italian/Spanish diminutive of Nicholas | unranked |
| Niko | NEE-koh | Slavic/Greek diminutive of Nicholas | unranked |
| Nikolai | nih-KOH-lie | Slavic form of Nicholas | unranked |
| Nikolas | nih-KOH-lahs | Greek/Latin variant of Nicholas | unranked |
| Nikhil | NIH-kil | Sanskrit; “always, whole, complete” | unranked |
| Neil | NEEL | Gaelic; “champion, cloud” | unranked |
| Niles | NYLEZ | English/Irish; variant of Neil, “champion” | unranked |
| Noel | noh-EL | French/Latin; “Christmas” | unranked |
| Noe | NOH-ay | Spanish form of Noah or Noe; “rest” | unranked |
| Nolan | NOH-luhn | Irish; “champion, noble” | unranked |
| Nolen | NOH-len | Irish variant of Nolan | unranked |
| Norbert | NOR-bert | Germanic; “north bright” | unranked |
| Norman | NOR-muhn | Old Norse/English; “man from the North” | unranked |
| Norris | NOR-is | Old English; “northerner” | unranked |
| Nelson | NEL-suhn | English; “son of Neil” | unranked |
| Nash | NASH | English surname; possibly “by the ash tree” | unranked |
| Naseem | nah-SEEM | Arabic; “breeze” | unranked |
| Nasir | nah-SEER | Arabic; “helper, supporter” | unranked |
| Nazir | nah-ZEER | Arabic/Persian; “observer, radiant” | unranked |
| Nabil | nah-BEEL | Arabic; “noble” | unranked |
| Naveen | nah-VEEN | Sanskrit; “new, fresh” | unranked |
| Nehemiah | neh-huh-MY-uh | Hebrew; “comforted by God” | unranked |
| Ned | NED | English diminutive of Edward/Nathaniel; “wealthy guardian” | unranked |
| Nat | NAT | Short for Nathan/Nathaniel/Nathaniel; “gift” roots | unranked |
| Natan | NAH-tahn | Hebrew variant of Nathan; “he gave” | unranked |
| Noam | NOH-uhm | Hebrew; “pleasantness” | unranked |
| Norberto | nor-BER-toh | Spanish/Portuguese; variant of Norbert | unranked |
| Nestor | NES-tor | Greek; “homecoming, counsel” | unranked |
| Neville | NEV-ill | French/Old English; “new town” | unranked |
| Nevin | NEH-vin | Irish/Scottish; “little saint” or “holy” | unranked |
| Newton | NOO-tuhn | English; “new town” | unranked |
| Neel | NEEL | Sanskrit/Hindu; “blue” or “sapphire” | unranked |
| Nikita | nih-KEE-tah | Slavic; “unconquered” (male in Russian) | unranked |
| Nikolay | nih-KOH-lie | Slavic form of Nicholas | unranked |
| Naim | NAH-eem | Arabic; “comfort, ease” | unranked |
| Nilo | NEE-loh | Spanish/Italian; variant related to Nile river | unranked |
| Nashawn | nah-SHAWN | American name blend, likely Nash + Shawn | unranked |
| Nero | NEE-roh | Latin; “strong” or variant from Roman name | unranked |
| Noble | NOH-buhl | English; “noble, aristocratic” | unranked |
| Nord | NORD | Scandinavian; “north” | unranked |
| Nordell | nor-DEL | Scandinavian/English formation; “northern valley” | unranked |
| Norris | NOR-is | Old English; “northerner” | unranked |
| Nicolet | nee-KOH-let | French diminutive of Nicolas | unranked |
| Nicanor | nih-KAY-nor | Greek; “victorious man” | unranked |
| Nikh | NIK | Short form of Nikhil or Nikolas | unranked |
Descriptions
Noah
Very popular biblical name in U.S.; gentle sound, many modern parents choose it (SSA 2023).
Nick
Common short form of Nicholas, widely used as given name and nickname (Nick Carter); familiar, casual choice (BabyCenter, U.S. usage).
Nate
Everyday short form for Nathan or Nathaniel; friendly, informal (often used as “Nate”) (BabyCenter).
Nathan
Classic biblical name used in U.S.; often appears as Nathan or shortened to Nate (BabyCenter, U.S. usage).
Nathaniel
Longer biblical form often shortened to Nate or Nathan; formal and traditional (BabyCenter).
Nicholas
Longstanding U.S. favorite with Nick or Nico nicknames; literary and historical use (BabyCenter).
Nico
Modern, stylish short form used standalone in U.S.; sporty, international vibe (BabyCenter).
Niko
Alternative spelling with European flair; common among diverse U.S. families (BabyCenter).
Nikolai
Distinctive Slavic variant used occasionally in U.S.; formal but approachable (BabyCenter).
Nikolas
Alternate spelling for Nicholas, used by U.S. parents seeking uniqueness (BabyCenter).
Nikhil
Indian-origin name with growing U.S. usage; short, modern sound (BabyCenter, U.S. usage).
Neil
Traditional Anglo name in U.S.; notable bearer Neil Armstrong gives strong recognition (U.S. history, BabyCenter).
Niles
Literary and vintage-feeling name used in the U.S.; uncommon but familiar (BabyCenter).
Noel
Seasonal favorite and gender-neutral historically; used for boys in the U.S. (BabyCenter).
Noe
Common in Hispanic U.S. communities as given name; pronounced NOH-ay (U.S. Census, BabyCenter).
Nolan
Modern popular choice in U.S.; athletic associations (Nolan Ryan) boost recognition (BabyCenter).
Nolen
Less common variant of Nolan; soft ending and modern feel used by U.S. parents (BabyCenter).
Norbert
Old-fashioned Germanic name occasionally used in U.S.; vintage, strong consonant sound (BabyCenter).
Norman
Classic surname-turned-given name with historical U.S. usage; sturdy, traditional (U.S. Census).
Norris
Used as given name in U.S., sometimes surname-to-first-name; bold, retro feel (BabyCenter).
Nelson
Common surname-now-first-name in U.S.; strong presidential and cultural ties (U.S. Census, BabyCenter).
Nash
Short, trendy one-syllable name popularized as a given name in U.S. (BabyCenter).
Naseem
Arabic-origin masculine name used in some U.S. families; gentle sound and growing recognition (BabyCenter, U.S. usage).
Nasir
Common in Muslim communities and used in U.S.; dignified, meaningful choice (U.S. usage).
Nazir
Used among South Asian and Middle Eastern U.S. families; uncommon nationally (BabyCenter, U.S. usage).
Nabil
Arabic-origin name with U.S. usage in immigrant communities; elegant and classic (BabyCenter, U.S. usage).
Naveen
Indian-origin name used by U.S. families; modern-sounding and upbeat (BabyCenter, U.S. usage).
Nehemiah
Biblical and distinct; used by U.S. parents seeking a strong scriptural name (BabyCenter).
Ned
Vintage short form sometimes used as a given name in the U.S.; friendly, informal (BabyCenter).
Nat
Old-fashioned diminutive occasionally used as standalone in U.S.; casual and concise (BabyCenter).
Natan
Alternate form used in Jewish and international U.S. communities; clear biblical link (U.S. usage).
Noam
Modern Hebrew name used in U.S.; intellectual and concise (U.S. Jewish communities, BabyCenter).
Norberto
Used in Hispanic U.S. families; formal, traditional Iberian flavor (BabyCenter, U.S. usage).
Nestor
Mythological Greek name with occasional U.S. use; literary and classical tone (BabyCenter).
Neville
Rare in modern U.S. but recognized from literature and British usage; distinguished air (BabyCenter).
Nevin
Uncommon Celtic-origin name used in the U.S.; soft, uncommon choice (BabyCenter).
Newton
Famous as a surname (Isaac Newton) and used occasionally as a first name in U.S. (BabyCenter).
Neel
Short Indian-origin name used increasingly in U.S.; crisp, single-syllable option (BabyCenter).
Nikita
Male name in Slavic cultures; occasionally used in U.S., often seen as unisex (BabyCenter, U.S. usage).
Nikolay
Eastern European variant seen in U.S. immigrant families; formal and international (BabyCenter).
Naim
Short Arabic name used by some U.S. families; soft, contemporary sound (BabyCenter, U.S. usage).
Nilo
Used in Hispanic U.S. communities; distinctive and geographical (BabyCenter).
Nashawn
Modern American-formed name used by some families; urban and rhythmic (BabyCenter, U.S. usage).
Nero
Rarely used in U.S., historical resonance from Roman era; bold choice (BabyCenter).
Noble
Virtue-style English word name used occasionally in U.S.; dignified and aspirational (BabyCenter).
Nord
Rare Scandinavian-origin name seen occasionally in U.S.; simple northern meaning (BabyCenter).
Nordell
Surnames adapted as given names in U.S.; uncommon, surname feel (BabyCenter).
Norris
(duplicate avoided elsewhere) Common surname-turned-name with vintage U.S. use (BabyCenter).
Nicolet
Rare French diminutive occasionally used in U.S.; petite and melodic (BabyCenter).
Nicanor
Biblical/Hellenistic name with rare U.S. use; historical and distinctive (BabyCenter).
Nikh
Trendy clipped form used informally in U.S.; casual and modern (BabyCenter).