What does Nona mean and where does it come from?
Nona has Latin roots, where it means 'ninth', traditionally referring to the ninth child in a family. It is also a term of endearment in Italian for 'grandmother'. The name has been used in various cultures, with its popularity rising in Italy and Latin America. Famous individuals include Nona Gaye,
Cultural significance
Nona has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #264 in 1881 — currently #8725 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Nona?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Nona?
Nona works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Nona Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Nona Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Nona Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Nona Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Nona Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Nona Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Nona right now?
Falling — down 1219 spots — currently #8725 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #8725 | 12 | ▼ down 1219 · -20% births |
| 2024 | #7506 | 15 | ▼ down 656 · -12% births |
| 2023 | #6850 | 17 | ▼ down 1421 · -29% births |
| 2022 | #5429 | 24 | ▲ up 85 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #5514 | 23 | ▲ up 1345 · +44% births |
| 2020 | #6859 | 16 | ▼ down 1582 · -36% births |
| 2015 | #5277 | 25 | ▲ up 904 · +19% births |
| 2010 | #6181 | 21 | ▲ up 2146 · +62% births |
| 2005 | #8327 | 13 | ▲ up 3473 · +86% births |
| 2000 | #11800 | 7 | ▼ down 6360 · -59% births |
| 1995 | #5440 | 17 | ▼ down 153 |
| 1990 | #5287 | 17 | ▼ down 1306 · -15% births |
| 1985 | #3981 | 20 | ▼ down 1638 · -51% births |
| 1980 | #2343 | 41 | ▼ down 354 · -7% births |
| 1975 | #1989 | 44 | — |
The story of Nona
Nona has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 16,614 babies have received this name. Once ranked #280 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6850 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Nona in 1881:
Nona by decade
Nona peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 423 | |
| 1890s | 785 | |
| 1900s | 916 | |
| 1910s | 2,017 | |
| 1920s | 2,671 | |
| 1930s ★ | 2,680 | |
| 1940s | 2,178 | |
| 1950s | 2,433 | |
| 1960s | 1,097 | |
| 1970s | 530 | |
| 1980s | 249 | |
| 1990s | 184 | |
| 2000s | 178 | |
| 2010s | 257 | |
| 2020s | 43 | |
What are good nicknames for Nona?
Famous people named Nona
N(
Nona (Renaissance scholar)
Nona used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
N(
Nona (Roman senator or statesman)
Nona held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Nona?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nona also consider these
Common questions about the name Nona
What does the name Nona mean?
Nona means "Latin" — 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 Nona?
Nona is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Nona?
Nona 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 Nona?
Nona is a two-syllable name pronounced NAH-nah. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Nona a common or rare name?
Nona is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.