Declining since 2021, #1,004 for girls today.
Popularity of Novah since 2006
Babies named Novah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 31 | 0 |
| 2010s | 1,161 | 251 |
| 2020s | 2,277 | 263 |
Meaning & origin
Novah first appeared in U.S. birth records in 2006, a latecomer to the modern name landscape. It reached its peak rank of 1,004 in 2020, but has been falling in popularity since 2021. In 2025, it was given to about 1 in every 6,455 newborns, making it a relatively rare choice. The name has been most popular in Georgia, Indiana, and North Carolina. As a respelling of Nova, it fits a broader pattern of contemporary coinages that emphasize the 'ah' ending, a style that appeals to parents seeking a soft, feminine sound.
Novah is a respelling of Nova, which derives from the Latin word 'novus' meaning 'new'. The name Nova gained popularity in the 21st century as a modern coinage, often chosen for its astronomical associations with supernovae. Novah is part of a trend of using 'h' to feminize or stylize names ending in 'a', similar to variations like Leylah or Elorah.
Where Novah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nova, Noni, Vivi
Variants: Nova
Sibling names for Novah
Names that share Novah's style, for a brother or sister.
