Origin & Meaning of the Nolan Surname
What does the last name Nolan mean?
The surname Nolan carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 46,054 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nolan ranks as the #754 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nolan come from?
The Nolan surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Nolan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nolan trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Nolan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #754 |
| US Count (2010) | 46,054 |
| Per 100K People | 15.61 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nolan
According to the US Census, the Nolan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 46,054 Americans with the Nolan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.85% |
| Black | 7.44% |
| Hispanic | 2.91% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% |
| Native American | 0.56% |
| Two or More Races | 1.66% |
Popularity of Nolan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nolan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nolan surname increased by 1,633 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Nolan
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Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Nolan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nolan
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