What does Nemo mean and where does it come from?
The name Nemo is Latin in origin, famously meaning 'nobody', derived from the Latin phrase 'Nemo me impune lacessit' meaning 'No one attacks me with impunity'. It is well known from the novel 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' where Captain Nemo is a mysterious and adventurous figure. In more r
Cultural significance
Nemo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of nobody.
Peak popularity
Reached #4295 in 1922 — currently #9428 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Nemo?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Nemo?
Nemo works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Nemo Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Nemo John
One syllable · timeless choice
Nemo Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Nemo Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Nemo Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Nemo Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Nemo right now?
Rising fast — up 158 spots — currently #9428 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #9428 | 8 | ▲ up 158 · +14% births |
| 2020 | #9586 | 7 | ▲ up 2691 · +40% births |
| 2015 | #12277 | 5 | — |
The story of Nemo
Nemo entered American naming records in 1922 and has been in use for over 102 years. With 60 total births recorded, Nemo remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #12277 in 2015 to #9428 in 2021.
Names that peaked alongside Nemo in 1922:
Nemo by decade
Nemo peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 6 | |
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 18 | |
| 2010s ★ | 24 | |
| 2020s | 7 | |
💎Nemo has only 60 total recorded births since 1922 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Nemo?
Famous people named Nemo
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Nemo (historical Roman figure)
Nemo carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
N(
Nemo (Roman senator or statesman)
Nemo held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Nemo?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nemo also consider these
Common questions about the name Nemo
What does the name Nemo mean?
Nemo means "nobody" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Nemo?
Nemo is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Nemo have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Nemo?
Nemo originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Nemo?
Nemo is a two-syllable name pronounced NEM-oh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Nemo trending right now?
Nemo is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.