"white shoulder (from Fionnuala)"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: English
Nola
Pronunciation: [ n-OHL-uh ]
Does Nola flow with your last name?
Irish elegance with a New Orleans soul
Irish
American
Australian
Vintage
Elegant
Gentle
Playful
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"honor (from Honoria)"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
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The Story of Nola
Nola has two distinct origins. As an Irish name, it is a short form of Fionnuala (meaning 'white shoulder' from finn 'white' + guala 'shoulder'), a name from Irish mythology borne by the tragic daughter of the sea god Lir. Alternatively, it derives from Honoria/Norah (meaning 'honor, dignity'). Nola is also the nickname for New Orleans, Louisiana, adding an Americana layer to its charm.
Nola has been climbing steadily in the US since the 2010s, appealing to parents who love Nora but want something slightly more distinctive. Its association with the vibrant city of New Orleans gives it a cultural richness that resonates with music- and food-loving families.
In Irish mythology, Fionnuala of the Children of Lir was transformed into a swan and spent 900 years on cold Irish waters — a story of endurance and grace. The New Orleans connection adds jazz, Creole culture, and culinary heritage to the name's meaning.
Historical Record
Nola first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 11,971 babies have been named Nola in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Nola is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #766 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Nola, Italy is a town in the Campania region famous as the birthplace of church bells — 'nola' was an old word for a small bell
- NOLA is the beloved shorthand for New Orleans, Louisiana, a city celebrated worldwide for its music, food, and Mardi Gras
Nola in Other Languages
Irish
Fionnuala
French
Nola
Italian
Nola
Spanish
Nola
Popularity Over Time
#766
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Nola
N
Nola Langford
Other
A common bearer in Southern US naming traditions; prominent as a Southern given name in the early 20th century
N
Nola Darling Fictional
Other
The protagonist of Spike Lee's film She's Gotta Have It (1986), reimagined as a Netflix series (2017)
N
Nola Rice Fictional
Other
The alluring femme fatale played by Scarlett Johansson in Woody Allen's film Match Point (2005)
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Compare Nola with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #766
- Total SSA Count
- 367
- Cultural Origins
- Irish American Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
No
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Nola
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Nola is also used as a boy name, ranked #9703.
View Nola as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Irish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nola
What does the name Nola mean?
"white shoulder (from Fionnuala)" (from Irish Gaelic). "honor (from Honoria)" (from Latin). Nola has two distinct origins. As an Irish name, it is a short form of Fionnuala (meaning 'white shoulder' from finn 'white' + guala 'shoulder'), a name from Irish mythology borne by the tragic daughter of the sea god Lir. Alternatively, it derives from Honoria/Norah (meaning 'honor, dignity'). Nola is also the nickname for New Orleans, Louisiana, adding an Americana layer to its charm.
What is the origin of the name Nola?
Nola has Irish Gaelic, Latin, Irish, American, and Australian origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "white shoulder (from Fionnuala)". In Latin, it means "honor (from Honoria)".
Is Nola a boy or girl name?
Nola is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #766. As a boy name, it is ranked #9703. Nola is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Nola?
Nola is pronounced n-OHL-uh.
How popular is the name Nola?
Nola is currently ranked #766 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Nola?
Popular middle name pairings include Nola Rose, Nola Jane, Nola Grace, Nola Mae, Nola Belle, Nola Claire, and Nola Faye.
What are good sibling names for Nola?
Names that pair well with Nola as siblings include Cora, Lena, Mabel, Bea, Arlo, Flynn, and Rowan.
How many syllables does Nola have?
Nola has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Nola a common or rare name?
Nola is moderately common, ranked #766 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Nola?
Are there other spellings for Nola?
Related spellings include Nolan.
About the Name Nola
Nola is a girl name with Irish, American, and Australian origins . The name means "white shoulder (from Fionnuala)" in Irish Gaelic .
Is Nola a boy or girl name? Nola is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #766 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #9,703. Nola is more commonly used as a girl name.
Nola is currently ranked #766 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Nola has 2 syllables and is pronounced n-OHL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Nola include No. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Nola include Nolan . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis