This list includes 70 Male names that start with N, from “Nabil” to “Nye”. These names range from short modern choices to historic and cross-cultural names. They are useful for parents choosing baby names, writers naming characters, genealogists tracing families, or anyone exploring name meanings.
Male names that start with N are given names used for males beginning with the letter N. For example, Noah has topped international baby-name lists, while Nabil shows Arabic roots and a meaning of “noble.”
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Origin, Meaning, and Notable bearers.
Name: The given name as it appears; use it to scan and pick options that match your style or family tradition.
Origin: The language or culture where the name originates, helping you understand heritage and regional popularity.
Meaning: A brief definition or translation that shows the name’s idea or symbolism for quick comparison.
Notable bearers: Famous people or fictional characters who share the name, helping you see real-world use and associations.
Male names that start with N
| Name | Origin/Language | Meaning | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noah | Hebrew | Rest, comfort | #2 (US) |
| Nolan | Irish | Champion, nobleman | #61 (US) |
| Nathan | Hebrew | He gave | #63 (US) |
| Nicholas | Greek | Victory of the people | #106 (US) |
| Nathaniel | Hebrew | Gift of God | #153 (US) |
| Nico | Greek/Italian | Victory of the people | #216 (US) |
| Nash | English | By the ash tree | #232 (US) |
| Niko | Greek/Slavic | Victory of the people | #298 (US) |
| Nehemiah | Hebrew | God comforts | #315 (US) |
| Nikolai | Slavic/Russian | Victory of the people | #348 (US) |
| Noel | French | Christmas | #438 (US) |
| Nathanael | Hebrew | God has given | #521 (US) |
| Nixon | English | Son of Nicholas | #539 (US) |
| Neil | Irish | Cloud, champion, passionate | #713 (US) |
| Niall | Irish | Cloud, champion, passionate | Uncommon in US; Common in Ireland |
| Nelson | English | Son of Neil | Uncommon |
| Nadir | Arabic | Rare, precious | Rare |
| Nabil | Arabic | Noble | Uncommon |
| Naveen | Sanskrit | New, young | Uncommon in US; Common in India |
| Nikhil | Sanskrit | Whole, complete | Uncommon in US; Common in India |
| Nevin | Irish | Holy, little saint | Rare |
| Nero | Latin/Sabine | Strong, vigorous | Rare |
| Nestor | Greek | Homecoming, to return | Rare |
| Niles | English/Irish | Son of Neil | Rare |
| Nils | Scandinavian | Victory of the people | Common in Scandinavia |
| Niven | Scottish | Little saint | Rare |
| Nizar | Arabic | To be little | Rare |
| Njord | Old Norse | Strong, vigorous | Rare |
| Noam | Hebrew | Pleasantness | Common in Israel |
| Norbert | Germanic | North, bright | Rare |
| Norman | Germanic | North man, Viking | Uncommon |
| Norris | English/French | Northerner | Rare |
| Nuri | Arabic/Hebrew | My fire, my light | Uncommon |
| Nuno | Portuguese/Spanish | Grandfather, squire | Common in Portugal |
| Nicolò | Italian | Victory of the people | Common in Italy |
| Nigel | Irish/Gaelic | Champion, black | Uncommon |
| Neel | Sanskrit/Irish | Blue, champion | Uncommon |
| Narek | Armenian | From Narek | Common in Armenia |
| Niklaus | German/Swiss | Victory of the people | Common in Switzerland |
| Napoléon | Greek | Person from Naples | Rare |
| Nazario | Hebrew | From Nazareth | Rare |
| Nazareth | Hebrew | To watch, to guard | Rare |
| Nicanor | Greek | Victorious man | Rare |
| Nikita | Greek | Unconquerable, victor | Unisex; Male in Russia |
| Nirmal | Sanskrit | Pure, clean | Uncommon |
| Nissim | Hebrew | Miracles | Uncommon |
| Norvin | German | Friend from the north | Rare |
| Nye | Welsh/English | Golden, champion | Rare |
| Natan | Hebrew | He gave | Common in Israel & Europe |
| Nevan | Irish | Little saint | Rare |
| Nadeem | Arabic | Drinking companion, confidant | Uncommon |
| Narayan | Sanskrit | Son of man; water-dweller | Uncommon |
| Naseem | Arabic | Breeze | Unisex |
| Nasir | Arabic | Helper, protector | Uncommon |
| Naji | Arabic | Safe, survivor | Rare |
| Namir | Hebrew/Arabic | Leopard, swift | Rare |
| Naoki | Japanese | Straight tree | Uncommon in US; Common in Japan |
| Ned | English | Wealthy guardian | Uncommon |
| Nemo | Latin/Greek | Nobody | Rare |
| Neo | Greek/Tswana | New; gift | Uncommon |
| Newman | English | New man | Rare |
| Nicodemus | Greek | Victory of the people | Rare |
| Nima | Persian | Just, fair | Unisex; Common in Iran |
| Nimrod | Hebrew | We will rebel | Rare |
| Nobu | Japanese | To stretch, prolong | Uncommon |
| Noble | English | Aristocratic, of high rank | Uncommon |
| North | English | North | Rare |
| Norton | English | North town | Rare |
| Noe | Spanish/French | Rest, comfort | Uncommon in US |
| Novak | Slavic | Newcomer, novice | Rare |
Descriptions
Noah
An ancient name with enduring popularity, famously associated with the biblical Noah and his ark. A top choice for boys in many countries.
Nolan
A strong yet friendly Irish surname-turned-first-name. Popularized by baseball legend Nolan Ryan and director Christopher Nolan.
Nathan
A classic biblical name belonging to a prophet in the Old Testament. Often shortened to Nate, it feels both traditional and approachable.
Nicholas
A timeless name associated with Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus. Variations like Nick and Nico are common.
Nathaniel
A more formal and elegant version of Nathan. It was the name of one of Jesus’s apostles. Famous bearer: author Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Nico
A stylish, energetic short form of Nicholas, popular across Europe. It stands strong on its own and has a cool, continental vibe.
Nash
A cool and modern-sounding English surname. It has a sharp, confident feel and has risen quickly in popularity in recent years.
Niko
A popular variation of Nicholas, widely used in Slavic and Germanic countries. It offers a more exotic and modern feel than Nick.
Nehemiah
An important biblical figure who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. A strong, distinctive choice with a gentle meaning.
Nikolai
The Russian and Slavic form of Nicholas, it sounds regal and sophisticated. Associated with Russian tsars and composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
Noel
Traditionally given to boys born on or around Christmas. It’s a gentle, festive name with artistic flair, borne by playwright Noël Coward.
Nathanael
A slightly less common spelling of Nathaniel which also appears in the New Testament. It offers a distinguished, classic feel.
Nixon
A presidential surname that has been adopted as a first name. It carries a formal, powerful, and slightly controversial edge.
Neil
A classic Irish and Scottish name with a rich history. Famously borne by astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon.
Niall
The original Gaelic form of Neil and the name of an Irish high king. Popularized globally by singer Niall Horan of One Direction.
Nelson
A distinguished English surname, famously associated with anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, making it a name of strength and integrity.
Nadir
An evocative Arabic name with a beautiful meaning. It’s also an astronomical term for the point directly below an observer.
Nabil
A popular name in the Arab world that conveys dignity and high character. It’s an accessible and handsome choice for non-Arabic speakers too.
Naveen
A popular name in India and Sri Lanka. It has a fresh, modern feel and is associated with actor Naveen Andrews from the TV show *Lost*.
Nikhil
A widely used name in India that carries a strong, positive meaning. It’s a handsome and classic choice within its culture.
Nevin
An anglicized form of the Irish name Naomhán. A gentle and uncommon choice with a spiritual meaning and a soft sound.
Nero
An ancient Roman name, famously and infamously borne by the Roman emperor. It has a powerful, dramatic sound, but the historical association is strong.
Nestor
In Greek mythology, Nestor was a wise old king who fought in the Trojan War. The name suggests wisdom and experience.
Niles
A variant of Neil or an English surname, popularized by the character Niles Crane from the sitcom *Frasier*. It sounds sophisticated and a bit quirky.
Nils
The Scandinavian short form of Nicholas. It’s a crisp, popular, and classic name in countries like Sweden and Norway.
Niven
A Scottish surname derived from a Gaelic name meaning “little saint.” It’s a unique and gentle choice with Celtic charm.
Nizar
A classic Arabic name borne by several historical figures and a famous Syrian poet, Nizar Qabbani. It has a sharp, distinctive sound.
Njord
In Norse mythology, Njord was the god of the sea, wind, and wealth. A powerful and unusual choice for parents interested in mythology.
Noam
A popular name in Israel, borne by intellectual Noam Chomsky. It has a gentle sound and a lovely meaning, appealing to modern parents.
Norbert
An old-fashioned German name that means “bright north.” It was the name of a prominent 12th-century saint, often shortened to Bert or Norb.
Norman
A name that originated with the Vikings, or “north men,” who settled in Normandy, France. It peaked in popularity in the mid-20th century.
Norris
An English and French surname meaning “from the north.” It has a sturdy, classic feel, famously borne by actor Chuck Norris.
Nuri
A beautiful name with roots in both Arabic and Hebrew, meaning “my light.” It has a warm, radiant quality.
Nuno
A popular name in Portugal, borne by historical figures like Nuno Álvares Pereira, a national hero. It’s short, strong, and historic.
Nicolò
The Italian form of Nicholas. It has a melodic, romantic sound and is famously associated with the political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli.
Nigel
An Anglicized form of Niall, it became very popular in Britain in the mid-20th century but now feels somewhat dated yet classic.
Neel
An Indian name meaning ‘blue,’ often referring to the god Krishna. It is also an alternate spelling of the Irish Neil.
Narek
A very popular name in Armenia, referring to a 10th-century book by Saint Gregory of Narek. It has deep cultural and religious significance.
Niklaus
A German and Swiss-German form of Nicholas. Popularized in pop culture by the character Niklaus Mikaelson in *The Vampire Diaries*.
Napoléon
An epic historical name forever tied to the French emperor Napoléon Bonaparte. It’s a bold and powerful choice, rarely used today.
Nazario
A Spanish and Italian name derived from Nazareth, the town where Jesus lived. It has a religious and sonorous quality.
Nazareth
A place name from the town in Galilee where Jesus was raised. It is a unique and deeply spiritual choice for a boy.
Nicanor
An ancient Greek name, borne by one of Alexander the Great’s generals. It’s a strong, classic name that is very uncommon today.
Nikita
A Russian name from the Greek ‘Aniketos’. While used for girls in the West, it is a traditional male name in Russia (e.g., Nikita Khrushchev).
Nirmal
A popular name in India and Nepal. It conveys a sense of purity and virtue and is a classic choice in South Asia.
Nissim
A Hebrew name often given to boys born around Hanukkah, the festival of miracles. It has a joyful and spiritual meaning.
Norvin
An uncommon name of German origin. It has a gentle but sturdy feel, combining the elements of ‘north’ and ‘friend’.
Nye
A short and punchy name that can be a diminutive of Aneurin or a surname. Borne by Aneurin “Nye” Bevan, founder of Britain’s NHS.
Natan
The Hebrew and Eastern European form of Nathan. It is sleek, international, and has a strong biblical connection without the ‘h’.
Nevan
A variant of Nevin, this name is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Naomhán. It’s a gentle and distinctive Irish choice.
Nadeem
An Arabic name that means “confidant” or “friend.” It has a poetic and friendly feel and is common in the Middle East and South Asia.
Narayan
A major name for the Hindu god Vishnu, meaning “one who rests on the water.” It is a deeply spiritual and significant name in Hinduism.
Naseem
A gentle and poetic unisex Arabic name. It evokes a feeling of calm and freshness and is used across the Muslim world.
Nasir
A strong and positive Arabic name. It is mentioned in the Quran and has a long history of use. Rapper Nas is a famous bearer.
Naji
A strong and positive Arabic name. It is simple, easy to pronounce, and carries a hopeful meaning of survival and safety.
Namir
A sleek and powerful name found in both Hebrew and Arabic traditions, evoking images of speed, agility, and grace.
Naoki
A popular name in Japan that combines nature imagery with the positive quality of honesty or straightforwardness.
Ned
A classic diminutive for Edward or Edmund, but it has long been used as a standalone name with a friendly, vintage charm.
Nemo
Famous as the captain in Jules Verne’s novel and the clownfish from *Finding Nemo*. It has literary and whimsical appeal.
Neo
A modern-sounding name meaning “new” in Greek and “gift” in Tswana. Popularized by the protagonist of *The Matrix* film series.
Newman
An English surname that feels distinguished and straightforward as a given name. Actor Paul Newman is a famous bearer of the surname.
Nicodemus
The name of a Pharisee mentioned in the New Testament. It is a long, distinguished, and rare biblical name, often shortened to Nico.
Nima
A popular unisex name in Iran with a simple and appealing sound. It carries a strong, positive meaning of justice and fairness.
Nimrod
In the Old Testament, Nimrod was a mighty hunter and king. The name is powerful but rarely used due to some negative modern connotations.
Nobu
A short and friendly Japanese name, often a diminutive for longer names like Nobuyuki. Associated with famed chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
Noble
A virtuous and aspirational word name that has been used since the 19th century. It sounds dignified and strong.
North
A strong and adventurous direction name. While more famously used for a celebrity’s daughter, it is a crisp, unisex option for a boy.
Norton
A classic English surname that works as a preppy and slightly quirky given name, similar to Norris or Niles.
Noe
The Spanish and French version of Noah. It has a sleeker, more continental feel than its popular English counterpart.
Novak
A common Slavic surname, famously borne by tennis champion Novak Djokovic. As a first name, it’s strong, energetic, and distinctive.