The name Nolan is a girl's name meaning "champion".

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An increasingly viable option for girls, perhaps influenced by the rise of similar-sounding Nola and unisex names more generally.

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Nolan

The name Nolan peaked for girls at #2759 in 1911. The name is most popular in North Carolina, Texas, and Texas. Nolan is also used for boys, ranking #65 in 2025.

The name Nolan is a boy's name of Irish origin meaning "champion".

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The friendly and sporty feeling Nolan blends some of the best qualities of other popular boy names. With the gentle but energetic sounds of Noah, a hint of the classic Nicholas, and the cool, surname-style vibe of Greyson or Colton, it makes for a familiar and grounded choice. 
Popularized by the baseball player, Nolan Ryan, Nolan has been steadily climbing up the charts since the 1970s, and it entered the US Top 100 in 2011. While it has never been a Top 50 name, it is given to a substantial 5000 babies every year. 
Nolan is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Nuallán, meaning "noble and famous" or "champion." 
This could give you the fun option of nickname Champ, while also providing the name with weight and history: the O’Nolans were once a chiefly Irish family, descended from the first Celts to settle in Ireland. 
A once very American feeling choice, Nolan is now more popular in France and Canada. It is on the rise in England and Wales too, a favorite in The Netherlands and Belgium, and at #22 in Hungary (albeit with the Hungarian spelling, Nolen). 
Notable Nolans include the fashion designer, Nolan Miller; the Modern Family actor, Nolan Gould; Marvel and DC voice actor, Nolan North; and the actor and singer Nolan Gerard Funk of Glee fame. Some may associate it with the Nolan Chart, a political spectrum diagram invented in the 60’s, while others may be more familiar with Nolan Chance, from the game Fortnite. 
Familiar and cool, grounded and approachable, Nolan continues to hold its steady place in the lower end of the US Top 100. 
Do you love Nolan but want some more inspiration? Other names inspired by Irish surnames include Nevan, Blaine, Riordan, Donnovan, and Callahan. For names that share a similar sound, Bowen, Milan, Noel, or Roland might appeal.

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The name Nolan is currently ranked #65 in U.S. births. and peaked for boys at #57 in 2023. The name is most popular in Colorado, Delaware, and New Hampshire. Nolan is occasionally used for girls in 2025.

Year	US rank	Births	Per million
2014	—	0	0
2015	—	0	0
2016	—	0	0
2017	#4,897	28	16.2
2018	#4,743	29	17
2019	#4,055	36	21.4
2020	#4,726	28	17.3
2021	#4,150	35	21.3
2022	#4,992	27	16.5
2023	#4,254	34	21.2
2024	#4,843	28	17.3
2025	—	0	0

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