William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Nolan
BoyIrish· “descendant of Nuallan”
- Meaning
- descendant of Nuallan
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- NOH-luhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #65
- US babies 2025
- 4,846
- Best rank
- #57 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Nolan
Nolan is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “descendant of Nuallan”.
Nolan comes from the Irish surname O Nuallain, meaning descendant of Nuallan. The personal name Nuallan is often linked to nuall, meaning a cry or shout, and is sometimes explained as champion or noble, though these readings are not certain. The family was historically associated with County Carlow. As a first name Nolan has grown steadily in the United States, fitting the taste for Irish surnames with two easy syllables. It feels friendly, strong and uncomplicated. The baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan is a well-known bearer, and the name needs no nickname.
Popularity over time
Nolan first appears in US Social Security records in 1881. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 136 different years, starting in 1881. Its best national rank was #57 in 2023, and the most babies received it in 2015, when 5,739 were named Nolan. In 2025, 4,846 babies were named Nolan, and it ranked #65 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #486 in 1920, #450 in 1950, #465 in 1980, #182 in 2000, #104 in 2010, and #65 in 2025. Of the 135,505 US boys named Nolan since records began, 37% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 30,357 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Easton, Jaxson, Kayden, Ryder, and Maxwell.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nolan ranked highest in Rhode Island, Maine, and South Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | #24 | 25 |
| Maine | #25 | 31 |
| South Dakota | #25 | 27 |
| Mississippi | #30 | 55 |
| Alaska | #31 | 18 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Nolan is usually pronounced NOH-luhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with N and ends in “-an”.
Middle names for Nolan
A few middle names that flow with Nolan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nolan
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Lists that include Nolan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nolan mean?
Nolan is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “descendant of Nuallan”.
What is the origin of the name Nolan?
Nolan has Irish roots. Nolan comes from the Irish surname O Nuallain, meaning descendant of Nuallan.
Is Nolan a popular name?
Yes. Nolan ranked #65 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Nolan a boy or girl name?
Nolan is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Nolan?
Nolan is usually pronounced NOH-luhn. 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