Origem e História

Anglicisation of the Irish Gaelic 'O Nuallain', meaning 'descendant of Nuallan', where 'Nuallan' is a diminutive of 'nuall', meaning 'noble', 'famous', or a 'shout' or 'cry of triumph'. The O'Nolans were rulers of Foharta, a territory in County Carlow that was part of the ancient kingdom of Leinster. Their lands were confiscated following the Anglo-Norman conquest of Leinster, and the family dispersed across Carlow, Wicklow, and Kilkenny. Nolan remains one of the characteristic surnames of County Carlow.