Noonan

Noonan is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó Nuadháin, meaning “descendant of Nuadhán.” Variants include Noone, Nunan, and O'Noonan. The name is found throughout Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, particularly in North America, Britain, and Australia, where families bear the surname across generations.

Noonan syndrome is a congenital developmental disorder named after Dr. Jacqueline Noonan, who first described the condition. It is characterized by distinctive facial features (such as a broad forehead and hypertelorism), short stature, chest and cardiac anomalies (most commonly pulmonary valve stenosis, but also hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), and variable developmental delays. The clinical presentation is highly variable, ranging from mild to more significant involvement. Noonan syndrome is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern and is associated with mutations in genes of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, most frequently PTPN11, SOS1, and RAF1, among others. Management is multidisciplinary, addressing heart defects, growth and development, feeding and feeding-related issues, and monitoring for associated medical problems. With appropriate medical and educational support, many individuals with Noonan syndrome lead active lives.

Other uses of the term Noonan include place names and institutions named after people bearing the surname, reflecting its Irish heritage. The name is carried by numerous individuals across fields such as politics, sports, science, and the arts.