Inola

♀ Girl

Pronounced ih-NOH-luh /ɪˈnoʊ.lə/Medium

Meaning: Inola is commonly presented as a Cherokee name meaning 'black fox', and Black Fox (Inali) was a real Cherokee leader. The specific form Inola and its gloss circulate mostly through baby-name lists rather than Cherokee-language sources, so we note the uncertainty honestly and with respect for the Cherokee Nation.Low

In 30 seconds: Traditionally glossed 'black fox' in Cherokee: Inola is a gentle three-beat name (said 'ih-NOH-luh'). The gloss is widely repeated but not well documented.

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Origin LowCherokee

MeaningInola is commonly presented as a Cherokee name meaning 'black fox', and Black Fox (Inali) was a real Cherokee leader. The specific form Inola and its gloss circulate mostly through baby-name lists rather than Cherokee-language sources, so we note the uncertainty honestly and with respect for the Cherokee Nation.

U.S. rank (2024)#14101 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1920

Total births (all-time)≈ 145

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Inola is offered in most name lists as a Cherokee word for 'black fox'; Black Fox was indeed the name of a Cherokee principal chief in the early nineteenth century. The exact form and gloss are not well attested in Cherokee-language references, so we note that plainly and with respect (said 'ih-NOH-luh').

It is very rare for girls in the U.S. Gentle, earthy, and unusual.

Did you know? Inola is usually presented as Cherokee for 'black fox' — a striking image. We would rather be straight with families: the gloss travels through baby-name lists more than through Cherokee-language sources, so treat it as traditional rather than confirmed.

Overall data confidence 34%

References — Inola — Cherokee 'black fox' gloss; widely repeated, weakly attested

Variations

EnolaInolahInoli

Nicknames

InoNola

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Inola…

Nola— the soft ending it shares

Enola— a near-twin in sound

Viola— a like gentle three-beat pick

Lenora— a like vintage, rolling choice

Explore names like Inola

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Inola mean?

Inola is traditionally glossed as 'black fox' in Cherokee. The gloss is widely repeated but not well documented, which we note with respect.

How do you pronounce Inola?

It's said ih-NOH-luh /ɪˈnoʊ.lə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Inola a boy or girl name?

Inola is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Inola?

Inola is a very rare name for girls in the U.S.