Rising since 2014, #10,107 for girls today.
Popularity of Nebula since 2011
Babies named Nebula per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2010s | 40 |
| 2020s | 92 |
Meaning & origin
Nebula entered the U.S. baby name landscape in 2011 and has shown a consistent upward trajectory since 2014, aligning with a broader cultural fascination with space and science. As of 2025, the name ranks 10,107, with a frequency of 1 in 178,585 births. Its peak year so far was 2022, but its steady rise suggests growing appeal. Nebula is still rare enough to feel distinctive yet familiar through its astronomical associations, much like other celestial names. The name has not yet appeared in top state data, indicating its use remains scattered but slowly expanding.
Nebula is a modern coinage taken directly from the astronomical term, which itself comes from Latin nebula, meaning 'mist, fog, cloud.' As a given name, it first appeared in the early 2010s, part of a broader trend of celestial and nature-inspired names like Luna and Aurora. Its adoption has been gradual but steady, reflecting cultural interest in space and science.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Neb, Bula, Nebbie
Sibling names for Nebula
Names that share Nebula's style, for a brother or sister.
