Nolan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the ancient Irish surname "O'Luanain". This surname was borne by a sept that was based in County Kildare, Ireland. The meaning of Nolan is "descendant of Luanan", with Luanan being an older form of the given name "Lonan".
The name Nolan has been used as a given name since the 20th century, but it gained significant popularity during the 1980s and 1990s. Today, it is considered a modern classic and continues to be popular among parents looking for unique yet timeless names for their sons.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Nolan. One of the most famous is the American film director Christopher Nolan, who is known for his critically acclaimed films such as "The Dark Knight" trilogy and "Inception". Additionally, the Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice was born with the given name Damian Nolan.
Overall, the name Nolan has a rich history dating back to ancient Ireland. Its meaning as "descendant of Luanan" gives it a strong sense of heritage and family tradition. Despite its Irish origins, Nolan is also used in other countries and cultures around the world, making it a truly global name.
The name Nolan has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. From just five recorded births in 1881, the number of babies named Nolan grew steadily throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
By the 1940s, the name had gained considerable traction, with over 200 births recorded annually between 1943 and 1950. This trend continued into the 1960s and 1970s, with numbers fluctuating but remaining consistently above 100 births per year.
However, it wasn't until the late 1970s that Nolan truly began to gain widespread popularity. Between 1978 and 1980, the number of births tripled from 257 to 943. This marked a significant turning point for the name, which continued to rise in popularity throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
The peak of Nolan's popularity occurred between 2000 and 2015, with over 5,000 births recorded annually during this period. In fact, the name reached its zenith in 2015 with a total of 5,738 births, making it one of the most popular names for boys that year.
However, even after reaching such heights, Nolan's popularity has remained remarkably consistent. Between 2016 and 2023, the number of annual births has ranged from just under 5,000 to slightly over 5,000, indicating that Nolan continues to be a favored choice among parents in the United States.
In total, since records began in 1881 up until 2023, there have been 125,707 babies named Nolan born in the United States. This impressive figure is a testament to the enduring appeal of this name and its ongoing popularity among American parents.