The oldest version of the name "Ninove", "Neonifus" dates from the 9th century. Later versions of the city name were "Ninive" and "Nineve". The current version of the city name dates from the 14th century. The origin of the city name is not clear. There are two theories about the origin. One states that name is from Roman origin, the other states that it is of Frankish origin. The meaning of the name, however, is known. Ninove means "nieuw weiland" or in English, "new pasture".