Origin & Meaning of the Nova Surname
What does the last name Nova mean?
The surname Nova carries the meaning "Feminine patronymic." It is derived from the Slavic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,928 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nova ranks as the #10,886 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nova come from?
The Nova surname has its roots in Russian/Bulgarian heritage. Names of Russian/Bulgarian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Nova name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nova trace back to Slavic. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Nova |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Feminine patronymic |
| Origin | Russian/Bulgarian |
| Language | Slavic |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,886 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,928 |
| Per 100K People | 0.99 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nova
According to the US Census, the Nova surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,928 Americans with the Nova last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 20.59% |
| Black | 0.82% |
| Hispanic | 74.59% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 2.66% |
| Native American | 0.65% |
| Two or More Races | 0.68% |
Popularity of Nova Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nova surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nova surname increased by 797 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Nova
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nova.
Other Russian/Bulgarian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Russian/Bulgarian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Russian/Bulgarian origin as Nova.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nova
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