Phelan
Phelan: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfiːlən/
Meaning and origin of Phelan
Root meaning: “descendant of Faolán”
- A male given name from Irish.
Etymology
Anglicized form of Irish Ó Faoláin (“descendant of Faolán”), a hypocoristic form of faol (“wolf”). Doublet of Whelan.
How popular is Phelan?
Since 1880, 68 girls and 581 boys in the U.S. have been named Phelan (10% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #10118 in 1999. Its highest rank for boys was #2891 in 1996. In 2025, 5 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Phelan
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Irish unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Phelan
Sister and brother names that share Phelan's Irish roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Phelan FAQ
What does the name Phelan mean?
Phelan traces back to a root meaning "descendant of Faolán". A male given name from Irish. Anglicized form of Irish Ó Faoláin (“descendant of Faolán”), a hypocoristic form of faol (“wolf”). Doublet of Whelan.
What is the origin of the name Phelan?
Phelan is listed as a name of Irish origin.
How popular is the name Phelan?
Since 1880, 68 girls and 581 boys in the U.S. have been named Phelan (10% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #10118 in 1999. Its highest rank for boys was #2891 in 1996. In 2025, 5 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Phelan a boy or girl name?
Phelan is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (68 girls and 581 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.