Nolan

Nolan is a surname of Irish origin that has also become a given name. It derives from the Gaelic Ó Nualláin, meaning “descendant of Nuallán,” with Nuallán linked to the word nuall meaning “noble” or “famous.” The name spread through the Irish diaspora and came to be used as a given name in English-speaking countries.

As a surname, Nolan remains common in Ireland and among people of Irish descent, and it is found in many other countries due to migration. As a given name, Nolan is typically male in many Western countries, though contemporary usage includes unisex or feminine use in some regions.

Notable people with the surname Nolan include film director Christopher Nolan and writer Jonathan Nolan. Notable people with the given name Nolan include the baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan, the actor Nolan Gould, and the baseball player Nolan Arenado.

Nolan is also used as a geographic name. The name appears in several countries as a place name, including counties and towns in the United States and a locality in Australia.