The nameNolan
Nolan is a boy's name of Irish origin, first a family name meaning "descendant of the noble one". It has been popular in the United States and Quebec.
- Boy's name
- Irish
Meaning
Nolan comes from the Irish family name Ó Nualláin, often read as "descendant of the champion" or "of the noble one".
Origin
Irish. Nolan was a surname, from County Carlow, before becoming a first name.
History
Nolan spread in the United States from the 1990s, reaching the top 60. It is also popular in France and Quebec. The film director Christopher Nolan carries it as a surname.
Nolan in other languages
Nolan comes from the Irish Ó Nualláin, "descendant of Nuallán". First a surname, it became a first name in the United States, then in France.
Did you know?
- The pitcher Nolan Ryan holds the Major League Baseball record for career strikeouts, with 5,714.
Famous people named Nolan
- Nolan Ryan, baseball player
- Nolan Gould, actor
- Christopher Nolan, film director (surname)
Popularity of the name Nolan
Nolan in the United States
Nolan was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 50,246 births over the decade, 38% of all recorded babies named Nolan. Its rise began around 1989, and it peaked in 2015. Half of all babies named Nolan in the United States were born before 2012, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 5,127 births a year.
Nolan in the United Kingdom
Nolan was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 764 births over the decade, 55% of all recorded babies named Nolan. Its rise began around 2011, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Nolan in the United Kingdom were born before 2020, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 137 births a year on average, against 78 in the five years before.
Nolan in France
Nolan in Belgium
Nolan in Switzerland
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Nolan
Names from the same generation as Nolan, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Nolan? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Nolan with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Nolan side by side with the name of your choice.
Nolan in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nolan mean?
Nolan comes from the Irish family name Ó Nualláin, often read as "descendant of the champion" or "of the noble one".
What is the origin of the name Nolan?
Irish. Nolan was a surname, from County Carlow, before becoming a first name.
Is Nolan a girl's or a boy's name?
Nolan is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Nolan?
In 2024, Nolan was the 64th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 4,888 births.
What are the variants of the name Nolan?
Variants and related names of Nolan include Nohlan, Nolann and Nolhan.
What are good sibling names for Nolan?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Quinn, Kennedy, Vivian and Clara for a sister, Josiah, Leonardo, Sebastian and Parker for a brother.
Who are famous people named Nolan?
Nolan Ryan, baseball player; Nolan Gould, actor; Christopher Nolan, film director (surname).