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

Popularity of Nolan by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Nolan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Nolan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5,112 male babies and 32 female babies born with the name Nolan.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 32 baby girls were named Nolan in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Nolan

The name Nolan has its origins in the Irish language and culture, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the old Irish word "nuall," which means "famous" or "renowned." This name was originally associated with the O'Nualláin or Nualláin clan, a prominent family from County Carlow in Ireland.

Nolan was a popular name among the Irish nobility and ruling classes in the medieval period. It appeared in various historical records and documents, including the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history compiled in the 17th century.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nolan can be found in the 13th century, when a Nolan O'Nualláin was mentioned as a landowner in County Carlow. In the 15th century, a Nolan O'Mulloy was a prominent figure in Leinster, Ireland, and held significant influence in the region.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nolan. One of the most famous was Sir Nolan de Nogentel (c. 1070-1144), a Norman knight who played a crucial role in the Norman conquest of England and was rewarded with lands in Cheshire and Shropshire.

Another prominent Nolan was Christopher Nolan (1470-1538), a Catholic martyr and priest who was executed during the English Reformation for refusing to acknowledge the supremacy of King Henry VIII over the Church.

In the realm of literature, Nolan Fell (1724-1801) was an Irish poet and playwright known for his satirical works and contribution to the Irish literary tradition.

The name Nolan also gained recognition in the field of science. Nolan N. Moore (1870-1953) was an American astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of variable stars and celestial mechanics.

In the world of sports, Nolan Ryan (born 1947) is a legendary American baseball pitcher who holds numerous records, including the most career strikeouts and most no-hitters in Major League Baseball history.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals who have carried the name Nolan throughout history, showcasing its enduring presence across various fields and cultures.

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 Nolan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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