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Nolan Boy

Popularity: #63 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationNO-lan / /ˈnoʊ.lən/

Irish; Gaelic

Meaning

Irish: noble; Gaelic: champion

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Nolan has its roots in the Irish language, derived from the Gaelic surname "Ó Nualláin," which means "descendant of Nuallan." The personal name Nuallan itself is derived from the word "nuall," meaning "noble" or "famous." This etymological lineage highlights the name's association with nobility and distinction. The transition of Nolan into English occurred through the anglicization of Irish surnames, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries as Irish families migrated or were displaced, bringing their names into broader English-speaking contexts.

Historically, the name Nolan has been borne by various notable figures, particularly in Ireland. One significant milestone is the presence of the name in the annals of Irish history, where members of the Ó Nualláin clan were known as poets and scholars during the medieval period. The name appears in various historical texts, including the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history compiled in the 17th century. Additionally, the name has been associated with several saints, further embedding it within the cultural and religious fabric of Ireland.

Culturally, the name Nolan carries connotations of strength and honor, resonating with the ideals of nobility and leadership. It has been embraced in various forms of literature and folklore, often symbolizing a character of integrity or valor. The name has also seen adaptations in diminutive forms, such as Noll, which have been used affectionately in familial contexts. Overall, the name Nolan reflects a rich historical and cultural heritage, embodying qualities that have allowed it to endure through the centuries.

Trend Summary

Nolan has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Nolen
  • Nollan

International Variants

  • Noé (French)
  • Nolán (Spanish)

Famous people named Nolan

Nolan Ryan is a former professional baseball player best known for his time with the Texas Rangers, New York Mets, and California Angels.

Nolan North is a voice actor best known for his work in the Uncharted series, Assassin's Creed, and Destiny.

Nolan Gerard Funk is an actor and singer best known for his roles in The Canyons, Glee, and the television series Awkward.

Fictional characters named Nolan

Nolan is a fictional character from the video game series Batman: Arkham. He is a key figure in the narrative, often associated with the themes of justice and morality within Gotham City.

Nolan is a fictional character from the film Inception. He is a skilled architect who plays a crucial role in the complex heist involving dreams and subconscious manipulation.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Nolan was first seen in the United States in 1881. Nolan has ranked as high as #105 nationally, which occurred in 2015, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Nolan has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Nolan (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 439
10%
TX 420
9%
FL 261
6%
NY 256
6%
PA 233
5%
OH 221
5%
NC 183
4%
GA 181
4%
IL 164
4%
VA 159
3%
TN 130
3%
MI 124
3%
MN 124
3%
MA 120
3%
WI 114
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18815
18847
18865
18879
18895
189210
18939
189412
18958
18969
189712
18985
189910
190016
190111
190215
190310
190418
190517
190620
190723
190816
190928
191031
191132
191262
191390
1914108
1915118
1916150
1917149
1918132
1919149
1920157
1921191
1922183
1923177
1924164
1925161
1926168
1927174
1928157
1929142
1930180
1931156
1932190
1933167
1934189
1935188
1936166
1937183
1938198
1939205
1940221
1941176
1942192
1943207
1944207
1945174
1946192
1947198
1948218
1949219
1950215
1951189
1952214
1953190
1954203
1955199
1956198
1957185
1958182
1959185
1960166
1961165
1962141
1963154
1964164
1965112
1966161
1967126
1968146
1969158
1970180
1971199
1972145
1973175
1974167
1975201
1976202
1977218
1978257
1979262
1980329
1981395
1982423
1983449
1984520
1985478
1986479
1987480
1988509
1989617
1990846
19911,054
19921,164
19931,143
19941,112
19951,066
19961,106
19971,311
19981,365
19991,623
20002,026
20012,093
20022,232
20032,217
20042,489
20052,718
20062,839
20073,171
20083,150
20093,437
20103,689
20114,168
20124,426
20134,745
20145,210
20155,739
20165,634
20175,399
20185,628
20195,400
20205,198
20215,352
20224,924
20235,123
20244,888