The letter “N” carries a noble, nuanced, and notably strong sound in English baby boy names. These names often exude a quiet confidence and classic appeal, ranging from timeless biblical and historical choices to distinguished surnames and nature-inspired picks. In English tradition, “N” names feel both familiar and fresh, offering a wonderful blend of strength, intellect, and approachability.
This curated list features over 100 famous English baby boy names starting with N. Each name has been selected for its established usage in the English-speaking world, positive meaning, and enduring popularity.
The Ultimate List of Famous “N” Names for English Boys
Page Contents
Nash – “By the ash tree” – A cool, sleek surname-name, famous from mathematician John Nash.
Nat – The short, friendly form of Nathan or Nathaniel.
Nate – The popular, casual short form of Nathan or Nathaniel.
Nath – A less common short form of Nathan.
Nathan – “He gave” – A classic, friendly, and enduring biblical name.
Nathanael – The original Greek form of Nathaniel.
Nathaniel – “Gift of God” – A slightly more formal and literary sibling to Nathan.
Neal – A common variant spelling of Neil.
Ned – The classic, affable medieval short form of Edward.
Nehemiah – “Comforted by Yahweh” – A strong, distinctive biblical name.
Neil – “Cloud” or “champion” – A classic of Irish origin, famously borne by astronaut Neil Armstrong.
Nelson – “Son of Neil” – A distinguished surname-name, immortalized by Admiral Horatio Nelson.
Nero – “Strong, vigorous” – A name of Roman history, though with a complex legacy.
Nesbit – “Bend near the nose” – An old English surname with literary ties.
Nestor – “Homecoming” – A name from Greek mythology, wise and ancient.
Neville – “New town” – A classic English surname, familiar from Harry Potter.
Nevin – “Little saint” or “holy” – An Irish surname-name.
Newland – “New land” – A distinguished English surname.
Newman – “Newcomer” – An English occupational surname.
Newt – “New town” or a lizard – A quirky short form of Newton.
Newton – “New town” – A scientific surname-name, famous from Sir Isaac Newton.
Niall – “Cloud” or “champion” – The original Irish form of Neil.
Nicholas – “Victory of the people” – A perennially popular and saintly classic.
Nick – The ubiquitous short form of Nicholas.
Nickolas – A common spelling variant of Nicholas.
Nicky – An affectionate, youthful short form of Nicholas.
Nico – The cool, European short form of Nicholas.
Nicolas – The common French and Spanish spelling, widely used in English.
Nigel – “Dark, black” – A classic English name with mid-century charm.
Nikhil – “Complete, entire” – A Sanskrit name common in the English-speaking world.
Niles – “Son of Neil” – A variant of Niles, familiar from the TV show Frasier.
Nils – The Scandinavian form of Nicholas.
Noah – “Rest, repose” – A timeless #1 biblical name, gentle and strong.
Noam – “Pleasantness” – The Hebrew name of scholar Noam Chomsky.
Noble – “High-born” – A virtuous word name.
Noe – The Spanish, French, and biblical Greek form of Noah.
Noel – “Christmas” – A cheerful name born on Christmas day.
Nolan – “Descendant of a nobleman” or “famous” – A hugely popular Irish surname-name.
Noland – A variant spelling of Nolan.
Norbert – “Northern brightness” – A vintage name with a scholarly feel.
Norman – “Northman” – A classic name tied to history and the Norman Conquest.
Normand – A variant of Norman.
Norris – “From the north” – An English surname-name.
North – A directional name, modern and cool.
Norton – “Northern town” – A distinguished English surname.
Norwood – “North wood” – An English place-name.
Nowell – An archaic spelling of Noel.
Nunzio – “Messenger” – An Italian name occasionally used in English contexts.
Nyle – A modern variant of Nile or Neil.
Nyles – A variant of Niles.
Classic & Traditional Picks
Naftali – “My struggle” – The original Hebrew form of Naphtali.
Naphtali – “My struggle” – A biblical tribe name.
Napier – “Keeper of the table linen” – A distinguished Scottish surname.
Napoleon – “Lion of the new city” – A name of immense historical weight.
Nash – Repeated for its modern, one-syllable punch.
Nasir – “Helper, protector” – An Arabic name with crossover use.
Nat – Repeated for its old-Hollywood feel (Nat King Cole).
Natale – The Italian form of Noel/Natal.
Nate – Repeated for its friendly, every-guy appeal.
Nathan – Repeated as a cornerstone English biblical name.
Nathaniel – Repeated for its literary gravitas.
Nealon – “Champion” – An Irish surname.
Nealson – “Son of Neil” – A surname variant.
Ned – Repeated for its Dickensian charm.
Neel – A variant spelling of Neil.
Nehemiah – Repeated for its strong, prophetic presence.
Neil – Repeated as a true English classic.
Nelson – Repeated for its statesman-like quality.
Neptune – Roman god of the sea – A bold, planetary choice.
Nero – Repeated for its historical strength (used cautiously).
Nestor – Repeated for its wise, ancient sound.
Nev – A short form of Neville or Nevil.
Nevil – A variant spelling of Neville.
Neville – Repeated for its aristocratic British feel.
Newbury – “New fort” – An English place-name.
Newby – “New settlement” – An English surname.
Newcomb – “New valley” – An English surname.
Newell – “New hall” – An English surname.
Newlin – “New pool” – A Welsh surname.
Newman – Repeated for its virtuous meaning.
Newport – “New port” – An English place-name.
Newton – Repeated for its scientific genius association.
Niall – Repeated for its authentic Irish roots.
Nichol – A Scottish variant of Nicholas.
Nicholas – Repeated as a pillar of English naming.
Nick – Repeated as the definitive short form.
Nickolas – Repeated as a common spelling.
Nicky – Repeated for its friendly informality.
Nico – Repeated for its continental flair.
Nicolai – The Scandinavian and Slavic form of Nicholas.
Nicolas – Repeated as the international spelling.
Nicolo – The Italian form.
Nigel – Repeated as a distinctly English choice.
Nikhil – Repeated for its cross-cultural popularity.
Nile – The famous Egyptian river as a nature name.
Niles – Repeated for its sophisticated air.
Nils – Repeated for its Scandinavian simplicity.
Nimrod – “We will rebel” – A biblical hunter-king name.
Niven – “Little saint” – A Scottish surname.
Noah – Repeated as the modern classic.
Noam – Repeated for its intellectual association.
Noble – Repeated for its virtuous meaning.
Noe – Repeated as the biblical/international variant.
Noel – Repeated for its festive joy.
Nolan – Repeated as a modern top favorite.
Norburt – A variant of Norbert.
Norcott – “North cottage” – An English surname.
Nord – “North” – A strong, directional name.
Norman – Repeated as a historical classic.
Norris – Repeated as a sturdy surname-name.
North – Repeated for its modern, Kardashian-era fame.
Norton – Repeated for its academic feel.
Norval – “Northern valley” – A Scottish surname.
Norvin – “Northern friend” – An English name.
Norward – “Northern guardian” – An English name.
Norwell – “North well” – An English surname.
Norwin – “Friend from the north” – An English name.
Nunzio – Repeated for its Italian charm.
Why Choose a Famous “N” Name for Your Son?
“Famous” doesn’t just mean celebrity—it means time-tested, recognizable, and respected. “N” names like Nathan, Nicholas, Noah, and Neil have been carried by saints, scientists, leaders, and artists, lending them a legacy of strength and character. They are names that are easy to wear, from childhood through adulthood, and are seldom mispronounced. Choosing a famous “N” name gives your son a classic foundation with a clear, strong identity.
Final Thoughts
The best name feels like a natural part of your family’s story. Try saying your favorites with your surname. Does Nathaniel James sound distinguished? Does Nolan Scott sound friendly and strong? Perhaps the gentle strength of Noah Alexander or the cool sleekness of Nash William feels right. Whether you choose the ever-popular Noah, the friendly Nathan, the saintly Nicholas, or the modern Nolan, a famous “N” name is a gift of timeless appeal and quiet confidence for your son’s journey.
