Nolan
Nolan: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈnəʊlən/ · /ˈnoʊlən/
Meaning and origin of Nolan
Root meaning: “chariot-fighter, champion”
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
Anglicized from Irish Ó Nualláin (literally “descendant of Nuallán”), diminutive of nuall (“chariot-fighter, champion”).
How popular is Nolan?
Since 1880, 556 girls and 135,505 boys in the U.S. have been named Nolan (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #2759 in 1911. Its highest rank for boys was #57 in 2023. In 2025 it ranked #65 for boys, with 4,865 babies given the name.
Names similar to Nolan
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname boy names
Sibling name ideas for Nolan
Sister and brother names that share Nolan's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Nolan FAQ
What does the name Nolan mean?
Nolan traces back to a root meaning "chariot-fighter, champion". A male given name transferred from the surname. Anglicized from Irish Ó Nualláin (literally “descendant of Nuallán”), diminutive of nuall (“chariot-fighter, champion”).
What is the origin of the name Nolan?
Nolan is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Nolan?
Since 1880, 556 girls and 135,505 boys in the U.S. have been named Nolan (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #2759 in 1911. Its highest rank for boys was #57 in 2023. In 2025 it ranked #65 for boys, with 4,865 babies given the name.
Is Nolan a boy or girl name?
Nolan is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 556 girls and 135,505 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.