Nolen Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Nolen come from? What does the surname Nolen mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Nolen and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Nolen Origin: What does the last name Nolen mean?
The surname Nolen is of American origin and first appeared in records in the early 18th century. It has remained closely associated with the United States from the 18th to the 19th centuries. By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Nolen surname grew significantly in the United States, where it remains prominent today.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Nolen surname in the United States, indicating a strong historical connection to the country. The surname's history reflects a long-standing association with American heritage and culture, with notable individuals across various fields carrying the name and contributing to its legacy.
Nolen Last Name History: Where did the last name Nolen come from?
Origin of Nolen Surname: Where does the last name Nolen originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Nolen first appeared in records from the United States around the early 18th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Nolen spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Nolen: What does the Nolen surname history look like in the early days?
The Nolen surname remained closely associated with the United States from the 18th to the 19th centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Nolen surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Nolen surname grew significantly in the United States. The Nolen surname remains prominent in the United States.
Explore Nolen last name heritage and Nolen surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Nolen Surame?
Walter Nolen
Walter Nolen III (born Oct 14, 2003) is a standout American football defensive tackle who played for top college teams like Texas A&M Aggies and Ole Miss Rebels. Known for his exceptional skills on the field, Nolen earned consensus All-American honors in 2024. With a remarkable high school career and a successful transition to college football, he quickly rose to prominence as one of the top recruits in the country. Nolen's journey from high school star to college standout showcases his dedication and talent in the world of American football.
Jimmy Nolen
Jimmy Lee Nolen (April 3, 1934 – December 18, 1983) was an American guitarist known for his unique "chicken scratch" lead guitar style. He gained recognition for his work with James Brown and was ranked as one of the greatest guitarists of all time by Mojo and Rolling Stone. Nolen's innovative sound influenced generations of musicians and his contributions to funk music are still celebrated today.
W.L. Nolen
W.L. Nolen (December 13, 1943 – January 13, 1970) was an American convict who co-founded the Black Guerrilla Family in San Quentin State Prison in 1966. He mentored George Jackson and introduced him to radical left-wing politics. Nolen's death in Soledad Prison sparked a series of violent events in the California prison system. He is portrayed in the film Black August as a key figure in the BGF.
John Nolen
John Nolen (June 14, 1869 – February 18, 1937) was an American landscape architect, planning consultant, and writer. He was a founding member of the American City Planning Institute, now known as the American Institute of Planners. Nolen completed numerous projects across the United States, including in Wisconsin, Virginia, Georgia, and California. He was known for his innovative urban planning ideas and comprehensive city planning approach. Nolen's work in Florida, particularly in St. Petersburg, showcased his vision for sustainable and aesthetically pleasing urban development. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Nolen remained optimistic and continued to leave a lasting impact on city planning and landscape architecture.
Billy Nolen
Billy Ray Nolen (born May 2, 1968) is an American government official who served as acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from April 1, 2022, to June 9, 2023. Nolen has an extensive background in aviation safety, having worked with major airlines like American Airlines, Qantas, and WestJet before joining the FAA. He also served as the chief safety officer at Archer Aviation and became a board member of the AAR. Nolen faced challenges during his tenure, including a system outage that led to a ground stop for all flights. Despite these challenges, he worked to ensure air safety and ultimately stepped down from his position in June 2023.
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