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Nola Girl

Popularity: #601 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationNO-lah / /ˈnoʊ.lə/

Irish; Latin

Meaning

Irish: 'famous'; Latin: 'noble'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Nola has its roots in the Latin word "nola," which means "a bell" or "a small bell." This etymology is linked to the ancient city of Nola in Campania, Italy, which was known for its bell-making industry. The name entered the English language through various linguistic transformations, beginning with Latin, and later influenced by Italian and other Romance languages. The transition into English likely occurred during the Renaissance, a period marked by a renewed interest in classical antiquity and the arts, which facilitated the adoption of many names from Latin and Italian into English vernacular.

Historically, Nola is associated with Saint Paulinus of Nola, a prominent figure in early Christianity who lived in the 4th and 5th centuries. He was known for his poetry and theological writings, and his influence helped to elevate the significance of the name in Christian contexts. The city of Nola itself has been referenced in various historical texts, and its cultural contributions, particularly in the realm of music and literature, have been acknowledged throughout the centuries. The name Nola may also have been popularized in the English-speaking world through literary works and the arts, reflecting the city's historical importance.

Culturally, Nola carries connotations of harmony and celebration, resonating with its connection to bells, which are often associated with joy and community gatherings. The name has been embraced in various artistic expressions, including music and literature, where it symbolizes a connection to heritage and tradition. While diminutive forms or variations of the name may exist, Nola itself stands out for its historical and cultural significance, representing a blend of linguistic heritage and religious influence that has endured through the ages.

Trend Summary

Nola has seen a gradual increase in popularity in the United States over the past two decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Nolie
  • Nolita

International Variants

  • Nola (Italian)
  • Nola (Spanish)

Famous people named Nola

Nola Ochs is a writer and educator best known for being the oldest person to graduate from college in the United States.

Nola Pender is a nursing theorist best known for developing the Health Promotion Model.

Fictional characters named Nola

Nola is a fictional character from the film Nola. She is a young woman navigating the complexities of love and relationships in New Orleans.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Nola was first seen in the United States in 1880. Nola has ranked as high as #845 nationally, which occurred in 2020, and has been most popular in California, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Nola has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Nola (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 29
9%
LA 21
7%
GA 21
7%
NC 20
6%
NY 19
6%
TN 18
6%
NJ 17
6%
VA 16
5%
OH 15
5%
PA 15
5%
CA 14
5%
FL 14
5%
AL 10
3%
WI 10
3%
IL 9
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188023
188132
188237
188330
188434
188539
188651
188755
188854
188969
189060
189178
189262
189390
1894118
1895111
1896108
189774
1898122
1899106
1900129
190193
1902131
1903131
1904140
1905127
1906125
1907142
1908144
1909172
1910158
1911168
1912211
1913205
1914227
1915320
1916301
1917307
1918390
1919343
1920306
1921324
1922335
1923312
1924320
1925279
1926268
1927361
1928330
1929328
1930322
1931300
1932301
1933281
1934307
1935286
1936300
1937294
1938337
1939273
1940259
1941279
1942263
1943291
1944245
1945231
1946222
1947252
1948210
1949223
1950247
1951249
1952240
1953255
1954236
1955195
1956206
1957159
1958144
1959252
1960168
1961155
1962148
1963118
1964137
196592
196699
196765
196868
196980
197066
197169
197237
197333
197439
197540
197647
197765
197862
197958
198038
198153
198265
198361
198442
198534
198630
198738
198824
198937
199024
199125
199225
199332
199432
199529
199634
199736
199831
199937
200050
200144
200259
200380
200486
2005104
2006202
2007257
2008299
2009280
2010314
2011292
2012334
2013350
2014347
2015368
2016350
2017379
2018461
2019500
2020537
2021503
2022472
2023380
2024367