Find out how popular the first name Nola has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nola by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Nola is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 379 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nola.

The history of the first name Nola

The name Nola has its origins in the Latin language, with roots dating back to ancient Roman times. It is believed to have been derived from the Latin word "nola," which referred to a small bell or handbell used in religious ceremonies and rituals. This connection suggests that the name may have been given to individuals associated with religious or spiritual practices in the early days of Christianity and the Roman Empire.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Nola can be found in the writings of the Roman poet Ovid, who lived from 43 BC to 17 AD. In his work "Metamorphoses," Ovid mentions a character named Nola, although little is known about the significance or background of this particular individual.

During the Middle Ages, the name Nola gained popularity in various regions of Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain. It is believed that the name was carried by several religious figures and saints during this period, contributing to its association with spirituality and devotion.

One notable historical figure bearing the name Nola was Nola, an 11th-century Italian noblewoman and abbess of the Benedictine convent of Santa Maria in Capua. She was renowned for her piety and charitable works, and her legacy has been preserved in various historical accounts and records from that time.

In the 16th century, the name Nola was associated with a prominent Italian family, the Nolans, who played a significant role in the political and cultural life of Naples. One member of this family, Giovanni Battista Nola, born in 1509, was a renowned sculptor and architect during the Renaissance period.

Another historical figure named Nola was Nola Quintavalle, an Italian painter and writer who lived from 1592 to 1656. She was known for her vibrant still-life paintings and her contributions to the development of the Baroque style in Italian art.

In the realm of literature, the name Nola appeared in the works of the renowned English poet John Donne, who lived from 1572 to 1631. In his poem "The Canonization," Donne makes reference to a character named Nola, although the significance of this name in the context of the poem is subject to interpretation.

Other notable individuals who bore the name Nola include Nola Nance, an American painter and printmaker born in 1895, and Nola Studor, an American actress and dancer who lived from 1915 to 1984 and appeared in several Hollywood films during the Golden Age of cinema.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Nola was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Nola, please contact us.

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