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Welcome to a journey through last names that start with N. Whether you’re intrigued by the Nelsons, curious about the Nortons, or fascinated by the Nakamuras, each name has its story. From the esteemed Napiers to the daring Nguyens, N-surnames are rich in culture and identity. Spanning English royalty to the streets of Tokyo, they reflect migration, conquest, and cultural exchange. With categories such as English, Italian, Irish, German, and Japanese, each section offers details about these names. Explore and discover the stories behind the last names with N that span the globe.
Key Pointers
- N-surnames such as Newton or Nixon carry associations with notable figures, such as Sir Isaac Newton or former US President Richard Nixon, providing a connection to different moments of the past.
- Occupational surnames such as Naylor, Nauta, or Napper shed light on ancestral professions, ranging from nail makers to sailors.
- From the Turkish origin name Nacar to Japanese names like Naeshiro, each surname reflects the traditions of different communities.
Popular Last Names That Start With N
These are the most recognized N-last names globally and represent a diverse array of cultures and backgrounds. Take a look to know what makes these names top the charts.
1. Neal
Originating from the Irish name Niall, its meaning is debated, possibly stemming from Celtic roots denoting ‘fury’ or ‘heroism.’
2. Nelson
This surname, referring to ‘son of Neil,’ was initially used as a tribute to the renowned British admiral Horatio Nelson. According to SSA data, this N-last name peaked in popularity in 1900 and has consistently been in the top 1000 names in the US since then (1).
3. Newman
As an English counterpart of Neumann, this surname signifies a ‘newcomer’ or ‘new man’ from Middle High German roots.
4. Newton
Derived from English place names denoting a ‘new town,’ it was famously borne by the physicist Sir Isaac Newton.
5. Nichols
With Greek origins, this surname translates to ‘victory of the people,’ stemming from elements meaning ‘victory’ and ‘people.’
6. Nieminen
Rooted in Finnish, it refers to a ‘peninsula’ or ‘cape,’ with Niemi being a variant.
7. Noel
Whether from the French word for ‘Christmas’ or the given name Noël, it’s associated with the holiday season.
8. Norberg
A variant of Nordberg, this surname combines Swedish and Norwegian words for ‘north’ and ‘mountain,’ often serving as an ornamental name.
9. Novak
A Slavic surname meaning ‘new,’ it was initially bestowed upon newcomers to a village.
10. Novosel
Originating in Croatia, it signifies ‘the one who’s new to the village,’ derived from elements meaning ‘new’ and ‘village.’
Common Surnames Starting With N
Here’s a carefully curated list of the common last names that begin with N with their history and origin details.
11. Næss
Derived from the English and Norwegian words for ‘headland’ or ‘promontory,’ suggesting an ancestor lived in such a location.
12. Nagel
Originating from German and Dutch, it signifies ‘nail,’ indicating an ancestral occupation related to carpentry or metalworking.
13. Nagy
A Hungarian surname meaning ‘big’ or ‘great.’ It can also be an alternate transcription of Naaji, an Arabic name meaning ‘saved,’ which is particularly used in Egypt.
14. Nap
It is either derived from Greek, meaning ‘lion of the new city’, or from Middle English and Old German, signifying ‘to doze’ or ‘to slumber.’
15. Nash
Coming from Middle English, it refers to someone located ‘at the ash tree,’ with variations such as Ash and Tash.
16. Nauta
This Dutch surname translates to ‘boatman’ or ‘sailor’ from Latin, or possibly an Italian occupational name for a sailor or helmsman.
17. Naylor
An occupational surname from Northern England, indicating a maker of nails, originating from a guild of specialized makers in the 13th century.
18. Nelissen
Meaning ‘son of Cornelis,’ where Cornelis stems from the Latin word for ‘horn.’
19. Němec
It is the Czech term for ‘German,’ with Němeček being a variant.
20. Nemes
A surname of Hungarian origin that means ‘noble’ or ‘gentle.’
21. Német
A Hungarian surname meaning ‘German.’ Németh is a variant of this name.
22. Nguyen
A simplified form of the Vietnamese last name Nguyễn, this last name is derived from Ruan, a musical instrument similar to a lute.
23. Nielsen
Denoting ‘son of Niels,’ with Nelson and Nissen being alternative forms.
24. Niemeyer
A German surname indicating a newly arrived steward or tenant farmer, from Middle Low German words for ‘new’ and ‘farmer.’
25. Nieuwenhuis
Meaning ‘new house’ in Dutch, this name indicates either living in a new house or a village of the same name.
26. Nijboer
A Dutch surname meaning ‘new farmer’ or ‘new peasant.’
27. Nijland
A Dutch toponymic surname indicating ‘new land,’ possibly referring to newly recovered land or places.
28. Nikolić
A Serbian surname meaning ‘son of Nikola,’ derived from the Greek name meaning ‘victory of the people.’
29. Nilsen
A Norwegian surname meaning ‘son of Nils,’ where Nils is a form of Nicholas meaning ‘victory of the people.’
30. Niskanen
Finnish surname either from ‘neck’ or a nickname for a headstrong person.
31. Nixon
Meaning ‘son of Nick’ or ‘Nicholas,’ famously borne by American President Richard Nixon.
32. Noble
A nickname meaning ‘high-born’ or ‘distinguished,’ established in Ireland since the 13th century.
33. Nogues
A French and Catalan surname indicating ‘walnut tree’ in Occitan or Catalan.
34. Nolan
An Irish surname derived from ‘descendant of Nuallán,’ where Nuallán means ‘famous’ or ‘loud.’
35. Nordin
A Swedish toponymic surname, which signifies ‘north.’
36. Norman
Denoting someone from Scandinavia or Normandy, historically settled in England after the Norman Conquest.
37. Norris
Swedish for ‘wet nurse’ or ‘foster mother,’ from Old French and Latin origins.
38. Norton
English topographic surname from various towns in England meaning ‘north town.’
39. Nugent
English, Irish, and French surname derived from places in northern France, possibly meaning ‘new settlement.’
40. Nurmi
Finnish surname meaning ‘meadow’ or ‘field,’ and is associated with the athlete Paavo Nurmi.
41. Nyman
A Swedish surname, a cognate of Neumann, meaning ‘new man’ or ‘newcomer.’
English Last Names Beginning With N
From the common to the uncommon, English last names starting with N show us how English culture and language have changed over time.
42. Napper
An occupational name for a naperer describes the servant in charge of the linen used in a great house.
43. Nation
A version of Nathan probably changed through popular understanding and influenced by the English term ‘nation.’
44. Neagle
Originating from Ireland or Scotland, this name comes from the Gaelic name MacFhiodhbhuidhe, meaning ‘son of the dark or swarthy leader.’
45. Nears
French in origin, this name is derived from the word ‘Noir,’ which is the equivalent of the English word ‘Black.’
46. Nead
It could be a metonymic nickname for a ‘needy person,’ originating from Middle English ‘ne(e)d’ meaning ‘need.’
47. Neeve
An English surname of Norman origin, signifying ‘the nephew,’ and it denotes someone under the care of their uncle.
48. Nelms
Topographic surname for someone who lived close to or among a group of elm trees.
49. Nethersole
Associated with Nethersole Farm in Womenswold, Kent, the surname combines Middle English terms ‘nether’ meaning ‘lower’ and ‘sol’ meaning ‘dirty pond.’
50. Netherton
The surname comes from the Old English term ‘neothera,’ which means ‘lower,’ and ‘tun,’ meaning ‘enclosure’ or ‘settlement.’
51. Netley
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Means ‘wet’ and ‘open woodland’ in Old English.
52. Nettles
Topographic name for someone who lived by a patch of overgrown nettles.
53. Newdigate
Originating from Newdigate in Surrey, England, the surname is a locative name combining ‘new,’ ‘wood,’ and ‘gate’ or ‘opening.’
54. Newey
A topographic surname referring to someone who resided at a ‘new enclosure.’
55. Newnham
Derived from multiple places in England, it is an English habitational surname.
56. Night
The name Knight means a tenant serving as a mounted soldier.
57. Nightingale
Possible from ‘nightegale,’ a Middle English term. It may also be from ‘nihtegale,’ an Old English term from the terms ‘niht’ meaning ‘night’ and galan meaning ‘to sing.’
Did you know?58. Nix
An English surname indicating descent from a person named Nicholas, traditionally abbreviated to ‘Nick.’
59. Noah
Derived from the same biblical name meaning ‘rest, repose’ in Hebrew. In the Bible, the name Noah is linked to the verb ‘lenaxem,’ meaning ‘comfort’ or ‘console’ (2).
60. Noar
Thought to be derived from ‘shore’ or ‘cliff’ or used for someone who lived in the village of Nore in Surrey.
61. Norcott
Originating from Old English, is a combination of terms that mean ‘north’ with ‘cottage’ or ‘shelter.’
62. Norcross
The surname has roots in Norcross, a place close to Poulton-le-Fylde in Lancashire, indicating a familial connection to that area.
63. Norgrove
A surname derived from a place’s name that is derived from Middle English terms meaning ‘north’ and ‘grove.’
64. Northrop
Originally denotes one who came from a town of this name in England, meaning ‘north farm.’
65. Nutbeam
Originated either as a place name from Nutbane in Weyhill, or as a topographic surname from Middle English ‘note-beme,’ meaning ‘nut-tree hazel’ in Old English.
66. Nuttall
An English habitational name from some place named with Old English terms meaning ‘nut’ + ‘nook’ or ‘recess.’
67. Nutter
Means either ‘scribe, clerk’ or ‘person who keeps or tends oxen.’
Check out more British surnames.
French Last Names Starting With N
French surnames beginning with N often reflect regional origins or occupations, tracing back to historical roots and cultural heritage.
68. Nadeaud
Possibly derived from the Occitan personal name Nadal or a variant of Nadon.
69. Naillon
Originating from Germanic roots, it comes from an inflected form of the personal name ‘Nail’, meaning ‘sufficient’ or ‘adequate’.
70. Naquin
An occupational name for a young lad or serving man, possibly derived from Old French term ‘naque’ meaning ‘mucus or snot’.
71. Narcisse
Greek in origin, it is derived from the Greek name ‘Narkissos,’ possibly meaning ‘sleep or numbness’.
72. Nard
Possibly a cognate of Nardi, derived from the given name Nardo, a diminutive of names ending in ‘-bardo.’
73. Nason
It is a nickname derived from a diminutive of the Old French word for ‘nose’.
74. Natalie
A variation of Natalia, meaning ‘birthday of the Lord’. This name also implies the spiritual meaning of ‘God’s Gift of Joy’ (3).
75. Nate
Latin in origin, this name comes from the personal name Donat, meaning ‘given’.
76. Nau
A metonymic occupational name for a boatman, derived from the Occitan word for ‘ship’ or ‘boat’.
77. Naude
Derived from Afrikaans, its meaning is unknown, possibly originating from the French name ‘Naudé.’
78. Neveu
A relationship name from Old French meaning ‘nephew’ or ‘grandson’ used to distinguish between bearers of the same personal name.
79. Noir
This name in French means ‘black’.
80. Noyer
Derived from the Portuguese and Galician term ‘nogueira,’ meaning ‘walnut tree’.
81. Nurse
Derived from Old French, is a variant of Norris. It originates from the Old French word ‘norice,’ which means ‘nurse.’
Check out more traditional French surnames.
German Last Names Starting With N
These surnames have varied affiliations, originating from toponymic roots or diminutives of given names. Some also reveal insights into medieval trades and landscapes, from nail makers to woodcutters.
82. Nagler
Derived from Middle High German, it means ‘nail,’ possibly indicating an ancestor’s occupation as a nail maker or carpenter.
83. Nantz
Originating from a Germanic compound name, it reflects a medieval meaning related to daring or courage.
84. Nast
A topographic name suggesting residence in a wooded area or an occupational name for a woodcutter.
85. Naue
Originating from Old Occitan, it means ‘new,’ possibly indicating a newcomer or someone associated with novelty.
86. Nauer
An altered form of a German surname indicating a ferryman, possibly suggesting an ancestral occupation.
87. Neander
Derived from ‘neander,’ meaning ‘new man,’ possibly describing a large, strong, and brave individual in medieval times.
88. Neff
Derived from Middle High German, meaning ‘nephew,’ it might indicate a close relation or a familiarity of a prominent person.
89. Neher
An occupational name for a tailor, derived from Middle Low German, indicating someone skilled in sewing or embroidery.
90. Neider
A variant of the name Nieder which likely indicates someone from a low-lying settlement, either habitational or topographic.
91. Neidhardt
Derived from a Germanic given name meaning ‘ambition, hatred’ and ‘hardy, brave, strong,’ possibly describing a characteristic or ancestral trait.
92. Neinstein
Meaning ‘nine stones’ in German, its origin or significance may vary based on family history or regional context.
93. Nestler
Derived from Middle High German, meaning ‘maker of string or thread,’ suggesting an ancestral occupation.
94. Nettesheim
Meaning ‘nice home,’ this name could indicate a location or the quality of an ancestral residence.
95. Netzel
A nickname indicating distress or suffering. It is derived from Middle High German.
96. Neufeld
Meaning ‘new field,’ it suggests a location or occupation related to agriculture.
97. Neuhaus
A topographical surname indicating residence in a new house or originating from various places named ‘Neuhaus.’
98. Neukirch
This name comes from Middle High German, where ‘niuwe’ stands for ‘new’ and ‘kirch’ means ‘church.’
99. Nibbe
A nickname meaning ‘beak’ or a short form of a Germanic personal name, possibly indicating a characteristic or ancestry.
100. Nichter
Possibly meaning ‘negator’ or ‘sober,’ its origin suggests a profession or character trait.
101. Niehaus
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Either indicating a new house or derived from a farm named ‘Niehus,’ it reflects a habitational origin.
102. Nimtz
This name means ‘the people’s champion,’ suggesting a characteristic or ancestral role.
103. Nipper
Either a habitational name or a nickname indicating alertness or astuteness.
104. Nolden
Possibly derived from Nolde, a diminutive of Arnold or a toponymic surname. It means ‘noble one’ as a given name.
105. Noll
From a short form of various medieval personal names, indicating rule or leadership.
Check out more German last names.
Irish Last Names That Begin With N
Irish last names beginning with N showcase the majesty of Gaelic heritage. From ‘Nally’ to ‘Noonan,’ each name carries a story of ancestral lineage and cultural significance.
106. Nally
A variant of MacNally derived from the Irish word failgheach, meaning ‘poor man.’
107. Nary
An anglicized form of O Naraigh, a Gaelic surname, originating from the personal name Narach, which means modest.
108. Naughton
A shortened form of McNaughton, possibly stemming from a Celtic root indicating ‘damp.’
109. Navin
Originates from Gaelic surnames Mac Cnáimhín or Ó Cnáimhín, meaning ‘son of Cnámh’ or ‘descendant of Cnámh.’ The name Cnámh is a nickname meaning ‘bone.’
110. Nestor
Derived from the surname ‘Mac Girr an Adhastair,’ which means ‘short man of the halter.’
111. Nett
A variation of McNett that originates from the Gaelic name ‘Mac Naed,’ which translates to ‘son of Naed.’ The given name ‘Naed’ is believed to represent a champion or a hero.
112. Nevin
An anglicized form of Mac Naoimhín, meaning ‘little saint.’
113. Noonan
Anglicized from Irish Ó Nuanáin or Ó Nuadháin, meaning ‘descendant of Ionmhaineán’ or ‘descendant of Nuadhán,’ signifying ‘beloved, dear.’
Check out more Irish last names with meanings.
Italian Last Names Starting With N
From those derived from personal names to those associated with places, occupations, or physical characteristics, find below varied surnames from Italy beginning with the letter N.
114. Naldi
Derived from names like Arnaldo and Rinaldo. A variation is Rinals.
115. Nanni
A shortened form of the name Giovanni, ultimately from John, meaning ‘Yahweh is gracious.’
116. Nardi
Stemming from the given name Nardo, it is used as a diminutive form of names like Bernardo or Leonardo.
117. Nardone
Derived from the personal name Nardo with the augmentative suffix ‘-one,’ with Nardo being a diminutive of names ending in ‘-nardo.’
118. Nasato
A nickname for someone notable for their nose, originating from the Italian word ‘naso,’ meaning ‘nose.’
119. Nascimbene
A variation of Nascimbeni, originating from the medieval given name Nascimbene, meaning ‘born well’ in Medieval Italian.
120. Natale
From Natalia, a Late Latin name meaning ‘Christmas Day.’
121. Nave
Originating from various Italian places that are called Nave.
122. Nazario
Derived from the given name Nazario, which means ‘from Nazareth.’
Pro tip123. Necchi
Possibly originated from the Italian word ‘neccio,’ referring to a type of flatbread.
124. Negri
A nickname originating from Italian ‘negro,’ meaning ‘black,’ used to describe someone with dark hair or skin.
125. Nelli
Derived from the given name Nello, which is typically a shortened version of names ending in ‘nello.’
126. Nenci
A name meaning ‘son of Nencio,’ a Tuscan diminutive of the name Lorenzo, which is ultimately from the Roman name Laurentius, associated with the city of Laurentum in ancient Italy.
127. Nepi
Derived from the town of Nepi in central Italy.
128. Neri
Originating from the Italian word ‘nero,’ this name means ‘black.’ It is used typically to indicate a person with dark hair or complexion.
129. Nervetti
Possibly a nickname for an innkeeper, originating from the archaic Milanese term ‘nervètt,’ referring to a local meal made from a calf.
130. Nervi
Originating from the name of the town in northwestern Italy named Nervi, in Liguria
131. Nespoli
Derived from towns like Nespoli and Nespoledo, originating from the Italian word ‘nespola,’ meaning ‘medlar (tree).’
132. Nicastro
Originating from the town of Nicastro in Calabria located in southern Italy.
133. Nicchi
From ‘nicchio,’ an Italian word, meaning ‘shell,’ possibly a nickname for people associated with the sea.
134. Nicodemo
Derived from the given name Nicodemo, meaning ‘victory of the people.’
135. Nicolosi
From the town of Nicolosi in Sicily, named after Saint Nicholas.
136. Nicosia
Originating from the town of Nicosia in Sicily.
137. Nicotera
From the town of Nicotera in Calabria.
138. Nieddu
Originating from Sardinian ‘nieddu,’ meaning ‘black,’ derived from Latin ‘niger.’
139. Nisi
Meaning ‘son of Niso,’ an Italian form of the mythological name Nisus.
140. Nizzola
From the town of Nizzola near Modena, Italy.
141. Nocito
From Latin term ‘nucetum’ which means ‘walnut orchard.’ This name is used either to describe where someone lives or as a job-related name for someone who worked in that place.
142. Nolfi
An Italian surname derived from the Germanic name Arnulf, composed of the terms ‘arn’ which means ‘eagle’ and ‘wolf’ which means ‘wolf.’
143. Noschese
Originating from the town of Nusco in Southern Italy’s Campania region.
144. Notaro
Occupational surname indicating a clerk, derived from Latin ‘notarius.’
Check out more Italian last names.
Hispanic Last Names That Start With N
These surnames feature a blend of Spanish, Basque, and other influences. From Nafarrate to Norzagaray, these surnames offer glimpses into diverse cultural narratives within the Hispanic world.
145. Nafarrate
This surname originates from Nafarrate in the Álava/Araba province of Spain and is associated with the Basque region.
146. Naranjo
Topographic surname indicating residence near an orange grove.
147. Narcizo
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Derived from the personal name Narciso, ultimately from the Greek word for ‘narcissus’, a flower’s name.
148. Narea
Short form of ‘Henares,’ a surname derived from a tributary of the river Jarama.
149. Naredo
Habitational surname from a place called Navedo in Cantabria and Asturias.
150. Necoechea
Castilianized Basque surname referring to a house named after the personal name Eneko.
151. Neito
Spanish nickname for someone descended from a respected elder, derived from the Spanish term ‘nieto’ meaning ‘grandson.’
152. Nerio
Derived from the given name meaning ‘water.’
153. Nieves
Meaning ‘snows’ in Spanish, derived from the title of the Virgin Mary ‘Our Lady of the Snows.’
154. Niz
Surname derived from the city of Nice in France, often accompanied by ‘De-‘ meaning ‘of’ or ‘from.’
155. Norzagaray
Castilianized surname indicating familial origin within a specific house in Aiara municipality, Spain.
Spanish Last Names Starting With N
These names come from Spain and often tell us about a person’s family or where they’re from, like Navarrete or Nieto, showing a bit of Spanish history and culture.
156. Narváez
Derived from a central Spanish town.
157. Nasim
Meaning ‘breeze’ in Arabic, this name is found among Arabic, Bengali, and Urdu speakers.
158. Natividad
Originating from Latin, it means ‘birth’ or ‘nativity.’
159. Navarrete
Signifying ‘dun mountain pass’ or ‘the pass of the Navarrans,’ and is possibly from a Spanish town named Navarrete.
160. Navarro
Originating from northern Spain, possibly of Basque origin, from the term ‘nabar’ meaning ‘brown.’
161. Nieto
Derived from a Spanish nickname meaning ‘grandson.’
162. Niño
Derived from the Spanish word for ‘child’ or ‘boy.’ This name is often given to the first-born son.
163. Noguera
A variation of Nogueira, originating from Portuguese and Galician, meaning ‘walnut tree.’
164. Nóvoa
Originating from the historical Galician jurisdictional area Terra de Nóvoa, located in Ourense province.
165. Nuñez
The Spanish version of Nunes, derived from Latin roots signifying ‘ninth’ or ‘grandfather.’
Check out more Spanish surnames.
Mexican Last Names That Start With N
Mexican last names starting with N often reflect diverse origins, from Spanish to indigenous languages like Tarascan and Mayan, and offer insights into ancestral origins and cultural significance.
166. Najar
Possibly a habitational name from Najar Alicante or an occupational name of Arabic origin that is used to refer to a carpenter.
167. Nambo
Derived from Tarascan, meaning ‘nobody’.
168. Ñáñez
Likely a cognate of Ibáñez, meaning ‘son of Ibán,’ with Ibán originating from John, meaning ‘Yahweh is gracious.’
169. Navia
Habitational name comes from places called Navia in Galicia and Asturias.
170. Niebla
Topographic name for someone living in a foggy place or habitational name from Niebla in Huelva province.
171. Noh
Mayan nickname or ornamental name meaning ‘big’ or ‘chief thing’, or referring to an irregularly shaped gourd.
172. Nuncio
Derived from the word ‘nuncio’, meaning messenger or envoy, possibly alluding to the Angel Gabriel.
173. Nungaray
A variant of Mungaray, possibly Castilianized from Basque Munagarai, referring to a house named with ‘hill’ + ‘high’ or ‘barn granary’.
Check out more popular Mexican surnames.
Asian Surnames That Start With N
These surnames range from those rooted in Persian, Sanskrit, and Arabic origins to those denoting familial ties, professions, and geographic origins across various Asian cultures.
174. Nacar
A Turkish surname derived from the name Najjar, meaning ‘carpenter’ in Arabic
175. Naderi
A Persian surname derived from the given name Nader, meaning ‘rare’ in Arabic.
176. Nagarajan
An Indian surname that is a combination of ‘naga’ meaning ‘cobra’ and ‘raja or rajan’, meaning ‘king.’
177. Nahar
An Indian origin name meaning ‘day’ that is derived from Arabic.
178. Nai
An Indian surname meaning ‘barber’ or from Japanese meaning ‘name, famous.’
179. Naidu
Means ‘chief’ in Telugu, ultimately from Sanskrit meaning ‘guide, leader.’
180. Nair
The origin is disputed, possibly from the Sanskrit meaning ‘snake’ or ‘serpent.’
181. Nóng
A Chinese or Vietnamese surname meaning ‘farming’ or ‘agriculture.’
182. Nam
A Korean surname meaning ‘south’ in Sino-Korean.
183. Namdar
Means ‘famous, celebrated’ in Persian.
184. Namgung
A compound Korean surname meaning ‘south palace’ or ‘south house.’
185. Nanda
An Indian surname that comes from the given name Nanda meaning ‘joy’ in Sanskrit.
186. Nandedkar
An Indian surname that means ‘one from Nanded,’ a city in Maharashtra, India.
187. Naqvi
Meaning ‘pure or clean’ in Arabic, this name is associated with a Shi’ite clan.
188. Narak
Means ‘cute, lovely, pretty’ in Thai.
189. Narayan
An Indian surname that comes from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘protector of all men.’
190. Naskar
An Indian and Bengali surname meaning ‘army, legion, soldier.’
191. Nasution
An Indonesian surname possibly meaning ‘the magic one’ in Mandailing.
192. Nath
An Indian surname derived from Sanskrit meaning ‘lord,’ ‘owner,’ or ‘protector.’
193. Naveed
Means ‘good news’ in Persian, this name comes from the given name Navid.
194. Nawab
Comes from a title traditionally used by Muslim officials in South Asia.
195. Nawaz
A Persian surname meaning ‘caress,’ ‘cherish,’ or ‘soothe.’
196. Naz
From the Persian term ‘naz’ meaning ‘comfort, luxury, affection.’
197. Nazarian
An Armenian surname ultimately derived from a Latin name meaning ‘from Nazareth.’
198. Nazeri
From the Persian term ‘nâzer’ meaning ‘watcher, observer.’
199. Nepal
A Nepalese surname denoting origin from a village named Nepa.
200. Netanyahu
A Jewish surname meaning ‘Yahweh has given’ in Hebrew.
201. Nilsiam
From Thai ‘nin’ meaning ‘very deep black’ and ‘Sayam’ meaning ‘Siam.’
202. Nimr
An Arabic surname meaning ‘leopard’ or ‘tiger.’
203. Ning
Possibly derived from the Chinese meaning ‘peaceful’ or referring to an ancient county.
204. Niohuru
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A Manchu and Chinese surname meaning ‘wolf’ in Manchu.
205. Nishant
An Indian surname meaning ‘dawn’ or ‘end of night’ in Sanskrit.
206. Niu
A Chinese surname meaning ‘cow,’ ‘ox,’ or ‘bull.’
207. Niyazov
This surname originates from the Persian word ‘niyâz’, meaning ‘desire, wish, gift,’ and is prevalent across various Central Asian countries.
208. Noorzai
Noorzai signifies ‘son of light’ in Pashto, blending the Arabic term ‘nūr’ for ‘light, illumination’ with the Pashto term ‘zoy’ meaning ‘son (of)’.
209. Norouzi
Derived from Persian ‘nowruz,’ this pertains to the Iranian New Year, celebrated during the spring equinox.
210. Novikov
A prevalent Russian surname originating from a term denoting a teenager serving in the military.
211. Nozadze
A Georgian surname with an unknown meaning.
212. Nukhao
In Thai, Nukhao translates to ‘white mouse,’ providing an interesting and distinctive surname.
213. Nur
A Turkish surname meaning ‘light.’
214. Nurasylov
This name means ‘son of Nurasyl,’ combining Kazakh ‘nur’ for ‘light’ with ‘asyl’ meaning ‘precious, noble.’
215. Nurgaliev
A Kazakh surname believed to be derived from names meaning ‘Light of Ali.’
216. Nursultanov
A Kazakh surname, that signifies ‘son of Nursultan,’ merging ‘nur’ for ‘light’ with ‘sultan)’ for ‘sultan or king.’
217. Nurzhanov
Originating from the Kazakh term ‘nur’ for ‘light’ and ‘zhan’ for ‘soul,’ Nurzhanov denotes ‘son of Nurzhan.’
Japanese Last Names That Start With N
These surnames showcase the intricacies of the Japanese language and culture, with each name carrying meanings rooted in nature, geography, or family history.
218. Naeshiro
The meaning of Naeshiro is ‘Seedling Substitute’.
219. Nagai
From Japanese ‘naga’ meaning ‘long’ or ‘eternity’ and ‘i’ meaning ‘well, mine shaft, pit’.
220. Nagami
‘Naga’ means ‘chief’ or ‘long’ and ‘mi’ means ‘view’ or ‘perspective.’
221. Nagamori
‘Naga’ means ‘long’ or ‘chief’ and ‘mori’ means ‘forest.’
222. Nagano
From Japanese ‘naga’ meaning ‘long’ or meaning ‘eternity’ and ‘no’ meaning ‘field, wilderness.’
223. Nagasawa
Derived from ‘naga,’ meaning ‘long,’ and ‘sawa,’ which means ‘marsh.’
224. Nagase
‘Naga’ means ‘chief’ or ‘long’ and ‘se’ means ‘current’ or ‘ripple.’
225. Nagatani
‘Naga’ means ‘chief’ or ‘long’ and ‘tani’ means ‘valley.’
226. Nakabayashi
Originates from Japanese with ‘naka’ signifying ‘middle,’ and ‘hayashi,’ referring to ‘forest.’
227. Nakada
‘Naka’ means ‘middle’ and ‘ta’ means ‘field.’
228. Nakagawa
Derived from Japanese, combining ‘naka’ for ‘middle,’ and ‘kawa,’ which translates to ‘river’ or ‘stream.’
229. Nakahara
Originating from Japanese, with ‘naka’ meaning ‘middle,’ and ‘hara’ representing ‘field’ or ‘plain.’
230. Nakai
A Japanese name formed from ‘naka,’ indicating ‘middle,’ and ‘i,’ which signifies ‘well,’ ‘mine shaft,’ or ‘pit.’
231. Nakajima
Originating from Japanese, Nakajima combines ‘naka,’ meaning ‘middle,’ with ‘shima,’ referring to ‘island.’
232. Nakamine
From Japanese ‘naka’ meaning ‘middle’ and ‘mine’ meaning ‘peak, summit’.
233. Nakamoto
From Japanese ‘naka’ meaning ‘middle’ and ‘moto’ meaning ‘base, root, origin’.
234. Nakamura
Derived from Japanese, combining ‘naka’ for ‘middle,’ and ‘mura,’ meaning ‘town’ or ‘village.’
235. Nakanishi
From Japanese ‘naka’ meaning ‘middle’ or meaning ‘relationship, terms’ and ‘nishi’ meaning ‘west’.
236. Nakano
Of Japanese origin, composed of ‘naka’ meaning ‘middle,’ and ‘no,’ signifying ‘field’ or ‘wilderness.’
237. Nakao
From Japanese ‘naka’ meaning ‘middle’ and ‘o’ meaning ‘tail, end’.
238. Nakashima
A variant of Nakajima, Nakashima has its roots in Japanese, with ‘naka’ for ‘middle’ and ‘shima’ for ‘island.’
239. Nakata
From Japanese ‘naka’ meaning ‘middle’ and ‘ta’ meaning ‘field, rice paddy’.
240. Nakatani
From Japanese ‘naka’ meaning ‘middle’ and ‘tani’ meaning ‘valley’.
241. Nishida
From Japanese ‘nishi’ meaning ‘west’ and ‘ta’ meaning ‘field, rice paddy’.
242. Nishiguchi
Nishiguchi is derived from ‘nishi’ meaning ‘west’ and ‘kuchi’ meaning ‘mouth’ or ‘entrance.’
243. Nishikawa
Nishikawa has Japanese origins, with ‘nishi’ meaning ‘west’ and ‘kawa’ representing ‘river’ or ‘stream.’
244. Nishimiya
From Japanese ‘nishi’ meaning ‘west’ and ‘miya’ meaning ‘temple, shrine, palace’.
245. Nishimoto
From Japanese ‘nishi’ meaning ‘west’ and ‘moto’ meaning ‘base, root, origin’.
246. Nishimura
From Japanese, combining ‘nishi’ for ‘west’ and ‘mura’ signifying ‘town’ or ‘village.’
247. Nishio
From Japanese, ‘nishi’ meaning ‘west’ and ‘o’ meaning ‘tail, end’.
248. Nishitani
The name Nishitani is of Japanese origin, with ‘nishi’ meaning ‘west,’ and ‘tani’ referring to ‘valley.’
249. Nishiyama
Image: Momjunction Design Team
Originates from Japanese, combining ‘nishi’ for ‘west,’ and ‘yama’ signifying ‘mountain’ or ‘hill.’
250. Noda
Combination of the kanji characters meaning ‘no, ‘area, field, hidden part of a structure; wild, rustic’ and ‘ta, ‘rice paddy, field’.
251. Nohara
Derived from the Japanese term ‘no’ meaning ‘field or wilderness’ and ‘hara’ meaning ‘field or plain’.
Quick tipCheck out more Japanese last names.
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When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the pronunciation of last names that start with N vary across different languages?
The pronunciation of last names starting with N may vary across different languages due to linguistic differences and accent variations. For example, the last name Nguyen is pronounced differently in Vietnamese (as NGWEEN or NGWEENG) compared to English ( WIN).
2. Do last names that start with N often have variations in different regions or countries?
Due to historical, cultural, and linguistic influences, last names that start with an N may have variations. For example, Nelson is a common surname in English-speaking countries like the United States. However, variations might exist in pronunciation or spelling. Nelson may be spelled as Nilsenor, Nielsen, or Nilsson in some Scandinavian countries.
3. How common are compound last names that start with N?
Compound last names that start with N are relatively uncommon compared to single-word last names. However, they do exist in various cultures around the world. One example is the Korean compound surname Namgung. The surname Namgung is a compound name derived from Sino-Korean characters. The first character, ‘nam,’ means ‘south,’ while the second character, ‘gung,’ means ‘palace or house.’ Namgung is considered one of the most common compound surnames in Korea.
4. Are there famous individuals with last names that start with N?
There are many notable personalities with last names that start with N. Just to name a couple, there’s Sir Isaac Newton, the English scientist who came up with the laws of motion and gravity, and Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher known for his critical views on religion and culture.
5. What are some statistics on the popularity of last names starting with N?
In the US, surnames beginning with N are less common than others. According to the 2010 census, among Caucasian households, the most common surname starting with the letter N is the Irish-origin Nelson, which ranked 43 with 424,958 holders. It was followed by Nichols and Newman. The most common non-Caucasian surname starting with the letter N in the US is Nguyen, which has Vietnamese origins and ranks 38th overall, with 437,645 holders.
In conclusion, each of these last names, starting with N, has its special story. Whether it’s from English roots, Italian heritage, or Asian background, these surnames hold reminders of our ancestors’ adventures, customs, and identities. They link us to our history, making us feel like we belong and have a shared family tree. So, whether your last name is Newton, Nguyen, or Napolitano, let it always be a symbol of who you are, and sport it with pride.
Infographic: Location-Based Last Names That Start With N
Surnames beginning with N often relate to where someone lived or the characteristics of their surroundings. They might indicate proximity to new land, wooded areas, orchards, or foggy places. These names give us hints about our ancestors’ environment and lifestyle. Find a few such interesting names in the infographic below.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Nelson.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - Noah.
https://hebrewname.org/name/noah-1-noach-noach - Natalie.
https://www.mykairos.org/docs/kt/names_meanings.pdf - Norikazu Yasuda;1983; Studies of Isonymy and Inbreeding in Japan.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/41464674
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