Find out how popular the first name Nau has been for the last 17 years (from 2001 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nau by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Nau is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nau.

The history of the first name Nau

The name Nau is thought to have its origins in the ancient Mesopotamian region, with roots dating back to the Sumerian and Akkadian civilizations of the third millennium BCE. It may be derived from the Akkadian word "nāwu," meaning "to rest" or "to dwell," suggesting a connection to the concept of home or dwelling place.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nau can be found in the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript detailing the rulers of various Sumerian city-states. It mentions a king named Nau-Suen, who ruled over the city of Uruk around 2700 BCE.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, there is a reference to a god named Nau, associated with the concept of primordial waters and the creation of the world. This deity is depicted in hieroglyphs and is sometimes represented as a serpent or a snake-like creature.

During the medieval period, the name Nau appears to have been used in various regions of Europe, particularly in areas influenced by the Germanic and Scandinavian cultures. One notable figure was Nau the Dwarf, a court jester who served under the Danish King Eric IV in the late 13th century.

Another historical figure bearing the name Nau was Nau Singh, a prominent military leader and commander in the army of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. He played a significant role in the campaigns of the Mughal ruler Akbar and is mentioned in several historical accounts of that era.

In the realm of literature, the name Nau appears in the works of the Persian poet Ferdowsi, who lived in the 10th and 11th centuries. His epic poem, the Shahnameh, includes a character named Nau-Andish, a wise and virtuous figure who provides counsel to the heroes of the story.

Another notable figure with the name Nau was Nau Nihal Singh, a Sikh warrior and military leader who fought against the British East India Company in the early 19th century. He is celebrated for his bravery and resistance against colonial rule in the Punjab region.

Throughout history, the name Nau has been used across various cultures and regions, carrying with it unique meanings and associations. While its precise origins may be difficult to pinpoint, it remains a name with a rich tapestry of historical and cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Nau was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Nau, please contact us.

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