Nova
Meaning
New; a star that suddenly releases a huge burst of energy, temporarily becoming extraordinarily bright.
Origin
Latin
Pronunciation
/ˈnoʊvə/
Oh, Nova! There's just so much to love about this beautiful, astral name.
We've seen too many dog owners chicken out of naming their dog Nova, because it clashes with the word 'no' – and that's really such a shame.
This name represents the sudden burst of light emitted by a star, and that just lays the red carpet for a dog that's ready to make her mark on the world. Just call your dog Nova and find a different word to scold her with, okay?!
Traits associated with the name Nova:
Dogs named Nova tend to be loving, loyal, good-natured, and resilient. This name is also associated with companionship, intelligence, and empathy.
What does it say about you to have a dog named Nova?
Naming your dog Nova suggests that you are creative and have an appreciation for the night sky. It could also suggest that you are a fan of science fiction or astronomy.
Is Nova a good dog name?
Nova has two syllables, which is highly recommended by dog trainers. The name also ends in a vowel sound, so it's easy for dogs to recognize. Nova is a widely loved dog name for good reason. If you like it, go for it!
Popularity: Overall
Nova is one of the more popular dog names out there. According to our data, Nova outranks the great majority of names.
Popularity: Historical Trend
Nova was, in the past month, the 144th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.
As of May 2025, Nova is becoming a more popular moniker with new puppy owners. Our stats show that the name is more fashionable than it was at this time last year.
In general, this name has held steady in popularity with PupNames.com visitors.
In the past week, Nova was viewed 143 times, and liked 5 times.
Popularity: United States
The map below shows Nova's popularity across the United States, according to PupNames data.
Nova is most adored in Minnesota, North Carolina and Michigan.
By contrast, the name has been shown the least amount of interest in South Dakota, Connecticut and Hawaii.
Popularity: Around The World
And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Nova.
Most popular breeds named Nova:
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Dachshund
- Rottweiler
- Poodle
Nova is found in these categories:
fall
Latin for "new", it symbolizes the changing seasons and fresh beginnings.
british
Not directly linked to British culture or language.
nature
Derived from astronomy, it represents a star showing a sudden increase in brightness.
gothic
This name draws inspiration from celestial darkness and mysterious cosmic phenomena.
white
Nova means new star, shining bright like a fresh snowfall.
unique
A celestial nod, this moniker references a star's explosive brightness.
Dog names like Nova:
April 10, 2023
January 16, 2023
Let us know what you think of Nova as a dog name!