Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Nola
GirlIrish· “short for Fionnuala”
- Meaning
- short for Fionnuala
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- NOH-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #822
- US babies 2025
- 331
- Best rank
- #254 (1894)
- Peak year
- 2020
Meaning and origin of Nola
Nola is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “short for Fionnuala”.
Nola is traditionally an Irish short form of Fionnuala, meaning "white shoulder," from fionn, "white" or "fair," and guala, "shoulder." Fionnuala is the heroine of the Irish legend of the Children of Lir, who were turned into swans. Some parents also choose it as a nod to New Orleans, which is often abbreviated NOLA. The name has a soft, vintage feel and fits comfortably with other short, retro names like Nora and Lola. It is easy to spell and pronounce.
Popularity over time
Nola has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 103 different years. Its best national rank was #254 in 1894, and the most babies received it in 2020, when 537 were named Nola. In 2025, 331 babies were named Nola, and it ranked #822 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #379 in 1920, #521 in 1950, #2,520 in 1980, #2,889 in 2000, #857 in 2010, and #822 in 2025. Of the 26,262 US girls named Nola since records began, 14% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 3,163 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Journi, Sloan, Zelda, Alia, and Novah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nola ranked highest in West Virginia, Missouri, and Louisiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | #263 | 7 |
| Missouri | #414 | 15 |
| Louisiana | #468 | 10 |
| Mississippi | #501 | 6 |
| Connecticut | #530 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Nola is usually pronounced NOH-luh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with N and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Nola
A few middle names that flow with Nola: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nola
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Lists that include Nola
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nola mean?
Nola is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “short for Fionnuala”.
What is the origin of the name Nola?
Nola has Irish roots. Nola is traditionally an Irish short form of Fionnuala, meaning "white shoulder," from fionn, "white" or "fair," and guala, "shoulder." Fionnuala is the heroine of the Irish legend of the Children of Lir, who were turned into swans.
Is Nola a popular name?
Yes. Nola ranked #822 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Nola a boy or girl name?
Nola is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Nola?
Nola is usually pronounced NOH-luh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings