Nolan

Updated: January 3, 2022 by MomsWhoThink Staff

Nolan feels somewhat new and trendy, but it's actually been a pretty popular name in the United States for well over a century. It's a name often associated with athletes, perhaps because of the influence of Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan. Or it could be because sports-minded parents loved the name's winning meaning. Today, you'll find dozens of Nolans playing professional football, baseball, basketball, soccer and hockey. While the baby name is Irish, it's more popular in the United States, France and Belgium than it is in Ireland.

Meaning of the name Nolan:

Irish: Champion

Origin of the name Nolan:

Nolan is a derivative of the Irish surname Ó Nualláin.

Symbolism of the name Nolan:

Between its meaning “champion” and its association with athletes, Nolan may symbolize athletic achievements to many parents.

Style of the name Nolan:

Traditional

Gender of the name Nolan:

Nolan is a boy's name.

Pronunciation of the name Nolan:

NOH-lin

Number of syllables in the name Nolan:

Two

Emotion evoked from the name Nolan:

Nolan evokes the image of someone who is fast, strong and athletic.

Alternative spellings for the name Nolan:

Nolin
Noland
Nolande
Nolyn
Nolun

Nicknames for the name Nolan:

Nole
Lanny
Nol
Noles
Nollie

Popularity of the name Nolan:

Nolan has made the list of the top 1,000 baby names in the United States every year since the turn of the 19th century. It has steadily become more popular with each decade. As of 2020, it ranked at number 61, according to the Social Security Administration.