Declining since 2010, #2,363 for boys today.
Popularity of Nolen since 1892
Babies named Nolen per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2009, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Nolen's real moment was 1892.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 7 |
| 1900s | 16 |
| 1910s | 183 |
| 1920s | 287 |
| 1930s | 221 |
| 1940s | 190 |
| 1950s | 160 |
| 1960s | 95 |
| 1970s | 75 |
| 1980s | 131 |
| 1990s | 213 |
| 2000s | 648 |
| 2010s | 841 |
| 2020s | 381 |
Meaning & origin
Nolen is a rare Irish-derived name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1892, its peak year of usage. The name has never been common; as of 2025, it ranks 2,363 nationally, with a 1 in 29,450 frequency among newborn boys. Its usage has been declining since 2010, placing it among the more obscure choices. Despite its rarity, Nolen has a distinctive sound and a connection to the Irish surname tradition. The top states for Nolen are North Carolina and Texas, suggesting a modest concentration in the South and Southwest. For parents seeking an alternative to the more popular Nolan, Nolen offers a similar feel with greater distinctiveness.
Nolen is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Nualláin, derived from the given name Nuallán, a diminutive of 'nuall' meaning 'noble' or 'famous'. Historically, the Ó Nualláin sept was located in County Cork. The name has been used as a first name in the United States since the late 19th century, though it remains uncommon.
Where Nolen is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Nolen” around the world
Where Nolen lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nolie, Nol
Sibling names for Nolen
Names that share Nolen's style, for a brother or sister.
