Olean is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. The name is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Laighin," which means "descendant of Laighin." Laighin was a ancient Irish chieftain who lived in the area now known as County Carlow.
The name Olean has a rich history that dates back to medieval Ireland. It is believed to have been first used as a given name during the 17th century, although it may have been used unofficially for many centuries before that time. The name was originally borne by both boys and girls, but over time it became more commonly associated with females.
Today, Olean is still a relatively rare given name, but it has gained some popularity in recent years, particularly in Ireland and among those of Irish descent living elsewhere in the world. It is often seen as an attractive alternative to more common names such as Lauren or Kathleen, while still having a strong connection to Irish heritage.
Overall, Olean is a unique and striking given name with a rich history and meaningful origins. Its Irish roots give it a distinctive character, while its rarity makes it stand out from other names on the popularity charts. Whether you're of Irish descent or simply drawn to its unique sound and meaning, choosing the name Olean for your child is sure to be a memorable decision.
The name Olean has seen a varied history of usage in the United States over the past century. The earliest recorded births with this name occurred in the year 1900, with six babies being given the name that year. This number remained steady for several years, with six births again recorded in 1904.
In the following years, the number of newborns named Olean fluctuated quite a bit. For instance, there were eight births in 1905 and seven births each in 1906 and 1907. However, the number of babies named Olean then peaked at nine births in 1908.
After this peak, the number of newborns named Olean began to decline. There were only five births recorded in 1909, followed by a slight increase to eleven births in 1910. The trend continued with eight births each in 1911 and 1913, but then there was another significant peak with twenty-one births in 1914.
The years between 1915 and 1928 saw a generally increasing trend in the number of babies named Olean. The highest point during this period was reached in 1926, with thirty-two births recorded that year.
However, from 1929 onwards, there was a consistent decline in the popularity of the name Olean. The number of newborns bearing this name decreased annually until it reached its lowest point in the 1940s and 50s, with only five or fewer babies named Olean each year.
Despite this decrease in popularity over time, the total number of births with the name Olean in the United States since 1900 is a notable 857. This figure underscores the historical presence of the name, even if its usage has varied significantly throughout different periods.