Nolan
How to say it: NOH-lun · /ˈnoʊlən/
From Irish surname 'O Nuallan', meaning 'descendant of Nuallain', from 'nuall' meaning 'noble' or 'famous'.
Nolan was the 72nd most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 4,846 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are down about 16% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #86 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #72 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 4,846 |
| Share of births | 1 in 673 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | −16% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #86 |
| In France, 2025 | #76 among boys’ names, 780 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
At its strongest in the 2020s, Nolan has enjoyed a steady ascent. Remaining at the top now, it faces a likely modest fall.
What goes with it
Mellow resonance gives Nolan a smooth and easygoing air. Everett matches its contemporary rhythm.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Nolan is about 1 in 29.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Irish.
In France: #76 for boys in 2025.
England and Wales: #285.
Famous people named Nolan
- Nolan Bushnell (born 1943)American entrepreneur
- Nolan Gould (born 1998)American actor
- Nolan North (born 1970)American voice actor
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Keep exploring
About as popular as Nolan
Find names you'll both love, starting with Nolan
The one-minute style quiz.