Declining since 1996, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Phelan since 1949
Babies named Phelan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 0 | 6 |
| 1950s | 0 | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 | 60 |
| 1980s | 5 | 80 |
| 1990s | 31 | 163 |
| 2000s | 27 | 115 |
| 2010s | 5 | 95 |
| 2020s | 0 | 52 |
Meaning & origin
Phelan is a distinctive Irish name that entered U.S. records in 1949, but it saw its peak popularity in 1996. Since then, its usage has been declining each year, making it a rare choice today; in 2025, it ranked 12,008th and only about 1 in 341,615 boys received the name. The name has not been strongly associated with any U.S. states, and it remains a relatively uncommon given name even in areas with large Irish-American populations. Its meaning, tied to the Irish word for 'wolf,' gives it a rugged, nature-inspired feel that appeals to parents seeking a name with Celtic roots.
Phelan is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Faoláin, which means 'descendant of Faolán.' The personal name Faolán is a diminutive of faol, meaning 'wolf,' so the name may carry connotations of 'little wolf.' The name has been used as a given name in Ireland and the Irish diaspora, particularly in the United States, where it gained some popularity in the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Phel
Variants: Faolán
Sibling names for Phelan
Names that share Phelan's style, for a brother or sister.
