Nola

♀ Girl

Pronounced NOH-luh /ˈnoʊ.lə/High

Meaning: Most commonly a short form of the Irish Gaelic name Finola or Fionnuala, meaning 'fair-shouldered'; also used as a nickname for New Orleans (NOLA) and as a short form of MagnoliaMedium

In 30 seconds: Nola is a warm, melodic two-syllable name with Irish Gaelic roots as a short form of Fionnuala (fair-shouldered). Its nickname for New Orleans adds a cool, cultural layer that makes it feel both classic and lively.

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Origin MediumIrish Gaelic, Latin, American English

MeaningMost commonly a short form of the Irish Gaelic name Finola or Fionnuala, meaning 'fair-shouldered'; also used as a nickname for New Orleans (NOLA) and as a short form of Magnolia

U.S. rank (2025)#822 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births331 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 26,258

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Nola is most directly connected to the Irish Gaelic name Fionnuala (also spelled Fionnuala), meaning 'fair-shouldered', from fionn (white, fair) and guala (shoulder). Fionnuala was the daughter of the sea god Lir in Irish mythology, transformed into a swan. Nola developed as the anglicized short form used in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.

In the United States, Nola gained additional resonance as the affectionate abbreviation for New Orleans — itself famous for jazz, Creole culture, and festivals. The name also functions as a short form of Magnolia, the Southern flowering tree. This combination of Irish heritage, Southern charm, and musical association has given Nola a distinctive, warm appeal in the 21st century.

Did you know? NOLA is the widely used abbreviation and nickname for New Orleans, Louisiana — a city famous for jazz, Mardi Gras, and Creole cuisine. Naming a daughter Nola thus carries a vibrant cultural geography.

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Nola — Irish Gaelic etymology and short form originsU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

FinolaFionnualaNolah

Nicknames

NoNols

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Nola…

Lola— same two-syllable, warm, vintage-revival feel ending in -a

Cora— shares the soft two-syllable classic-yet-fresh quality

Nova— similar two-syllable, bright, modern feminine name

Isla— same melodic, short, slightly Celtic quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Nola mean?

Nola is an Irish short form of Fionnuala, meaning fair-shouldered. It also serves as a nickname for New Orleans and a short form of Magnolia.

How do you pronounce Nola?

It is said NOH-luh, with two syllables.

Is Nola an Irish name?

Yes — Nola is primarily an Irish name, a shortened form of Fionnuala from Irish Gaelic mythology.

Is Nola a popular name?

Nola has seen growing popularity in the U.S. in the 2010s and 2020s as a vintage-revival name.