Nova

From Latin, associated with “new”; also associated with an astronomical nova.

Nova is a feminine given name that feels modern and international, in part because it’s short and easily recognized across languages. In everyday association, it often points to two ideas at once: “new” (in the Latin sense) and the astronomical event where a star suddenly becomes very bright. Etymologically, nova is the Latin feminine form of novus, commonly translated as “new.” Modern naming usage also leans into the astronomy meaning, which makes the name feel sky-adjacent without needing any religious framing or a complex history to understand. Pronunciation is commonly NOH-vuh (two syllables). A practical tip is that some languages shift the final vowel slightly (NOH-va vs NOH-vuh); if you’re in a multilingual setting, you may hear both and choose the one that feels most natural for your family.

Etymology: From Latin nova, the feminine form of novus (“new”). In modern usage it also aligns with the astronomy term for a star that suddenly brightens.