NASH: Old English for "cliff." This nifty choice sounds "preppily" short for something much longer. Relative: Nashe. Namesakes: Ogden Nash, Graham Nash, Thomas Nash, Nash Rambler automobiles.
NATALIE: Latin for "birthday" or "child born at Christmas." The international collection of variations make this a rich choice. Relatives: Nataly, Natalee, Nataleigh, Natalia, Natalya, Natala, Nataline, Nathalia, Nathalie, Noel, Noelle, Novella, Natasha, Natasa, Natalja, Natassia, Nastassia, Natividad, Netty, Nettie, Tally, Tallie, Tasha, Talia. Namesakes: Natalie Wood, Natalia Makarova, Nastassia Kinski, Talia Shire.
NATHANIEL: From the Hebrew for "gift of God." This super name could become the Matthew of the next decade. Relatives: Nathanielle, Nathanael, Nathan, Nathania, Nataniel, Natanielle, Nataniella, Natan, Natania, Nate, Nat, Natty. Namesakes: Nathaniel Hawthorne, Nathan Hale, Nathanael West, Nat King Cole, "Natty Bumppo."
NEAL: Irish Gaelic for "champion." Neal (or Neil) is much more commmon in the United Kingdom but has always been a solid choice in the United States. Relatives: Neil, Neill, Nial, Niall, Neale, Neel, Niels, Niel, Niles, Nels, Nils, O'Neill. Namesakes: Neil Armstrong, Neil Diamond, Neal Kinnock, Nils Lundgren, Nels Van Patten.
NEALA: Irish Gaelic for "champion" and the feminine version of Neal. Relatives: Niela, Nela, Neela, Neila, Nealah, Neilla, Nila.
NEDA: Slavic for "born on Sunday" and English for "sanctuary." Relatives: Nedda, Neddy, Ned, Nerida. Namesake: heroine in Pagliacci.
