Baby boy names that start with N: Popular choices carrying rich meaning

Baby boy names that start with N have a distinctive style and often carry deep meaning. Choosing one of these names for your newborn son is an important decision that can shape his life. Some top options to consider are Nathaniel, Nicolas, Noah, Nolan, and Nathan.

Nathaniel: Means "gift of God" in Hebrew. It was the name of one of the twelve apostles in the New Testament. A classic Biblical name that has remained popular for centuries.

Noah: Also from Hebrew, this name means "rest" or "comfort." In the Old Testament, Noah built the ark that preserved life during the Great Flood. A gentle name with a peaceful meaning.

Nicholas: This name comes from Greece and means "victory of the people." Saint Nicholas, inspiration for Santa Claus, was known for his generosity and care for children.

Nathan: An ancient Hebrew name related to Nathaniel, it signifies "he gave" or "gift." Nathan was an Old Testament prophet who confronted King David regarding his sins.

Nehemiah: In the Bible, Nehemiah was an Israelite leader who helped rebuild Jerusalem. As a name, it means "comforted by God."

Nolan: An Irish last name and place name that may mean “famous” or “noble.” Also possibly a derivative of the name Neal, which comes from Niall, a medieval Irish king.

Noel: From the French word for Christmas. A festive name associated with the joyful holiday. Also an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Niall.

Niles: From the Latin for "river." In his popular Frasier TV series, Niles Crane had an educated, sophisticated persona.

Nico: A shortened form of Nicholas with a cool, artistic vibe. Nico di Angelo is a fictional demigod hero from Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series.

Nash: From an Old English surname meaning “ash tree.” Nash embodies the rustic, natural imagery of tree names which are growing in popularity.

Nadir: Means “rare” or “precious” in Arabic. An uncommon name with a beautiful meaning that would be a distinctive choice.

Nixon: An English surname name referring to “son of Nicholas.” Famously borne by former United States president Richard Nixon.

Norman: From the Germanic for “northman,” referring to the Norse raiders who invaded northern France. An ancient name with medieval adventuresome vibes.

Nelson: Originally a surname meaning "son of Neil." Admiral Horatio Nelson was a heroic British naval commander who died defeating Napoleon.

Nigel: From the Latin Nigellus, a diminutive form of the name Neil. Nigel is a bookish, quirky name popularized by British pop culture figures like Nigel Thornberry from The Wild Thornberrys.

Noble: An English vocabulary name meaning “aristocratic” or “honorable.” Could perhaps inspire your son to live up to the virtues associated with his name.

Nico: A shortened form of Nicholas with a cool, artistic vibe. Nico di Angelo is a fictional demigod hero from Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series.

North: An Earth name referencing directionality. Actor Kim Kardashian and Kanye West used this bold name for their baby boy.

Nasir: Means “helper, supporter” in Arabic. Jazz musician Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones goes simply by Nas.

Nevin: This Irish name derived from Naoimhin means “little saint” or “holy.” An accessible, modern-feeling option.

Nile: The Earth's longest river, the Nile flows through Egypt. This geographic name brings to mind adventures and faraway places.

Nataniel: A creative spelling twist on Nathaniel with the same "gift of God" meaning. Singer Nat King Cole's given name at birth.

Nico: A shortened form of Nicholas with a cool, artistic vibe. Nico di Angelo is a fictional demigod hero from Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series.

Nakia: In Arabic, this boys’ name means “pure” or “faithful.” Actor Winston Duke used it for his son – it was previously considered mainly feminine.

Nevan: A Gaelic name possibly meaning “little saint” – the anglicized form of Irish Naomhan. Emerging as a modern invented cross between Nevin and Evan.

Nashoba: Native American in origin, Nashoba comes from the Choctaw tribe’s word for “wolf.” An uncommon nature name referencing a majestic animal.

Nakoa: In Hawaiian, Nakoa means “warrior.” Actor Jason Momoa, who plays Aquaman, chose this bold name for his son. It has an exotic island feel.

Nassir: An Arabic name meaning “victorious one.” The variation Nasir is rising faster in popularity than Nassir currently.

Nicodemus: Grand, Biblical name meaning “victory of the people” in Greek – a longer form of Nico. Nicodemus was a Pharisee saint in the New Testament.

Nava: Can have several origins including Hebrew (“beautiful”), Sanskrit (“new”), or Native American (“great plains”). Actress Greta Scacchi used it for her son.

Nashton: An invented surname-name that sounds like a mix of Nash and Ashton. Comic book villain the Riddler’s real name is Edward Nashton.

Nestor: Means “homecoming” in Greek and was the wise old king in Homer’s Iliad. Has a vintage literary feel alongside its pleasant meaning.