Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Nova

A nova is an exploding star. It was given its name by Tycho Brahe, a 16th century Danish astronomer, in his 1573 book “De nova stella” (Latin: “Of the new star”). Nova is the Latin word for “new”. A nova occurs on the surface of a white dwarf star when its gravity attracts matter from a companion star. A nuclear explosion follows the instability of the white dwarf’s surface which results in a sudden luminosity sometimes visible by the naked eye. The brilliant glow produced by a nova is temporary and may last only for several days to a couple of weeks. Roughly 40 novae occur in the Milky Way galaxy per year. As a female given name, Nova has been in circulation since the late 19th century in the United States. Today, the name finds most of its concentrated usage in Sweden and the Netherlands.

All About the Baby Name – Nova

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME NOVA

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME NOVA

As a girl’s name, Nova first appeared on the U.S. charts in 1885 and remained on the charts until 1938. During those 50 or so years, the name was not very common or heavily used. But it did impress us that she was on there at all. Nova’s glow diminished when she disappeared from usage for over 70 years; the name just returned to the charts in 2011. Still a low-ranking name, Nova remains underused and uncommon. A unique choice by all accounts, Nova is a name that imbues a certain “explosive” quality. New and energetic, bright and luminary, the concept and meaning behind “Nova” makes for a pretty cool name choice.

Quick Facts

ON NOVA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

529

PRONUNCIATION:

NO-va

SIMPLE MEANING:

New

Characteristics

OF NOVA

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Nova

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME NOVA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Nova

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME NOVA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Nova


Popular Songs

ON NOVA

Aurora Nova
a song by Dan Fogelberg

Famous People

NAMED NOVA

Nova Pilbeam (English actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED NOVA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Nova

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME NOVA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Nova