William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Nolen
BoyIrish· “variant of Nolan, from an Irish surname”
- Meaning
- variant of Nolan, from an Irish surname
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- NOH-luhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,381
- US babies 2025
- 58
- Best rank
- #925 (1892)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Nolen
Nolen is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “variant of Nolan, from an Irish surname”.
Nolen is a spelling of Nolan, from the Irish surname Ó Nualláin, "descendant of Nuallán." The personal name Nuallán is often linked to a Gaelic word for "noble" or "famous," though its exact meaning is uncertain. Nolan moved from surname to first name in the US, and Nolen follows the same path with a slightly different ending that also recalls names such as Aden and Kellen. It is said NOH-luhn. The spelling looks tidy and modern while keeping the familiar Irish sound.
Popularity over time
Nolen first appears in US Social Security records in 1892. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 1 different years, starting in 1892. Its best national rank was #925 in 1892, and the most babies received it in 2009, when 110 were named Nolen. In 2025, 58 babies were named Nolen, and it ranked #2,381 nationally. That is 34% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,229 in 1920, #1,931 in 1950, #4,824 in 1980, #2,721 in 2000, #1,608 in 2010, and #2,381 in 2025. Of the 3,448 US boys named Nolen since records began, 24% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 648 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ethyn, Mehki, Jacorey, Javeon, and Patricio.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nolen ranked highest in North Carolina and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | #1416 | 5 |
| Texas | #2482 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Nolen over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Nolen is usually pronounced NOH-luhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with N and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Nolen
A few middle names that flow with Nolen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nolen
Similar names
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Lists that include Nolen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nolen mean?
Nolen is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “variant of Nolan, from an Irish surname”.
What is the origin of the name Nolen?
Nolen has Irish roots. Nolen is a spelling of Nolan, from the Irish surname Ó Nualláin, "descendant of Nuallán." The personal name Nuallán is often linked to a Gaelic word for "noble" or "famous," though its exact meaning is uncertain.
Is Nolen a popular name?
Not especially. Nolen ranked #2,381 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Nolen a boy or girl name?
Nolen is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Nolen over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Nolen?
Nolen 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