Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Nolan

Nolan is an Irish name originating from the transferred use of a surname (Ó Nualláin) meaning a descendent of Nuallán. The Gaelic “nuall” means “chariot-fighter, champion”. The surname is also sometimes loosely translated as “The descendent of the crier”. And we’re not talking about cry babies. The “crier” etymology is derived from the first chief of the Ó Nualláin clan who held the hereditary position of herald to the Kings of Leinster (a province in eastern Ireland). A herald was a messenger sent by monarchs to communicate important proclamations across the land; hence the “crier” meaning. The Gaelic word “nuall” is also said to mean “to shout, howl”. Oddly, the name Nolan is not on the Top 100 list of most commonly used names in Ireland (or anywhere in the U.K. for that matter). It is more distinct to North America right now, positioned on the Top 100 lists of most favorite boy names in Canada and the United States. However, Nolan is most popular per capita in France and ranks on the Top 100 in Belgium, too. Apparently there’s a wider cultural appreciation for this quaintly Irish lad’s name beyond the borders of Erin.

All About the Baby Name – Nolan

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME NOLAN

The Number 2 personality in numerology is all about cooperation and balance. It's the number of diplomats and mediators. They are not leaders, but strive rather for harmony in partnerships. These are the peacemakers. Equality and fairness are important in their dealings, and they are willing to share power and responsibility to achieve a harmonious outcome. This personality is calm and patient, waiting for things to evolve instead of pushing aggressively for an outcome. They are good-natured and easy-going, and care deeply on an emotional and spiritual plane. Twos appreciate beauty and nature and are intent on making the world a better place.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME NOLAN

The name Nolan is experiencing most of its popularity right now. The name has always been on the U.S. popularity charts since the government began tracking naming trends as far back at 1880, certainly influenced by Irish-Americans. However the 21st century is showing the most promise for this name; 2011 marks the first year Nolan finally landed a spot on the Top 100 list of most-favored boys’ names in the country. This is a name to watch out for – we expect it to climb more in the coming years. Nolan is a name with distinct Irish flavor that appeals to parents looking for first names of Celtic-Gaelic origin, or those who generally find Irish sounding names attractive. We also noticed that Nolan gained about 300 positions on the American male naming charts during the prime years of Nolan Ryan’s baseball career (a career which spanned 27 years between 1966 and 1993). Considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time with a career record seven no-hitters, Nolan Ryan was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999. So not only is Nolan a great name for admirers of the Emerald Isle, but it’s also a great choice for baseball fans alike. Nolan has “shouted” and we are finally starting to hear his “cries”.

Quick Facts

ON NOLAN

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Gaelic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

86

PRONUNCIATION:

NO-lin

SIMPLE MEANING:

Chariot-fighter, champion, The crier, shouter, howler

Characteristics

OF NOLAN

Cooperative

Considerate

Compassionate

Nurturing

Sensitive

Patient

Loving

Kind

Gracious

Balanced

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Nolan

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME NOLAN

Mary Frances or “Francie” as she’s called is the sensitive and imaginative young protagonist in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, the 1943 novel by Betty Smith, which was also made into a movie in 1945. The book traces her coming of age as the daughter of an Irish-American family living in near poverty in Brooklyn in the early 20th century. Their life is hardscrabble, tenuously held together by the mother’s fierce determination to make life better for her children and the father’s dreamy, alcohol-fueled, well-meaning benevolence. Mother is a janitress; Father is an occasional singing waiter. Their daughter, like the tenacious tree that grows and thrives in the cement of the squalid street, is able to rise above all of the obstructions life sets before her. She never becomes bitter or cynical about her plight, rather, she chooses to see the wonder of common, everyday delights, and she perseveres on her path with calm and proud certainty. She observes, she learns, and most importantly, she loves.

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Nolan

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME NOLAN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Nolan


Popular Songs

ON NOLAN

Nolan Ryan (He's A Hero To Us All)
a song by Jerry Jeff Walker

Famous People

NAMED NOLAN

Nolan Ryan (baseball pitcher)
Nolan Smith (basketball player)
Nolan Richardson (college basketball coach)
Nolan Reimold (baseball player)
Nolan Miller (fashion designer)
Nolan Bushnell (American entrepreneur)

Children of Famous People

NAMED NOLAN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Nolan

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME NOLAN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Nolan