Nolan

boyIrish

Nolan is an boy name of Irish origin, meaning “Descendant of Nuallán; noble or champion”.

MeaningDescendant of Nuallán; noble or champion
GenderBoy
OriginIrish
PronunciationNO-lun
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, Ireland, Canada

Meaning and origin of Nolan

Nolan comes from the Irish surname Ó Nualláin, 'descendant of Nuallán'. The personal name Nuallán is usually connected with nuall, which can mean 'noble, famous' or 'shout, cry', so its meaning is debated; 'champion' is a popular but loose gloss. The family was historically based in County Carlow. As a first name Nolan rose in the United States in the late twentieth century, helped by surname-style naming trends.

Is Nolan a religious name?

Nolan is a surname-based name used widely among Irish Catholic families, but it has no religious meaning of its own.

How popular is Nolan?

Popular in the United States and Canada for several decades.

Gifts with the name Nolan

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.

Spellings and variants of Nolan

NolenNoland

Names similar to Nolan

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Nolan mean?

Nolan means 'Descendant of Nuallán; noble or champion'. It is of Irish origin.

Does Nolan have a religious meaning?

Nolan is a surname-based name used widely among Irish Catholic families, but it has no religious meaning of its own.

How do you pronounce Nolan?

Nolan is pronounced NO-lun.

Is Nolan a boy or girl name?

Nolan is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.