NomOrigine Background

Last Name Nolin

What is the origin of the last name Nolin?

The surname Nolin is of French origin. It comes from the Old Norse personal name "Njalr" or "Njall," which was brought to France by the Vikings during the Viking invasions of France in the 9th and 10th centuries. Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Nolin, Nelin, Neelin, and Neilson. In France, the name is most commonly found in the regions of Picardy, Normandy, and Brittany. The name can also be found in other countries with significant French influence, such as Canada.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nolin

The meaning and origin of the last name Nolin

The surname Nolin is of French origin, derived from various place names found primarily in France. The name is most commonly associated with localities such as Nollain, Nolles, or Nollion. These places are named after the Old Norse personal name "Njalr" or "Njáll," which means "mild, gentle, and kind." Over time, this name evolved into "Nolin" in French-speaking regions. The surname Nolin can also be found in Quebec, Canada, where it was brought by French colonists during the 17th century. It is a relatively uncommon name compared to other French surnames but remains a significant part of the French and Quebecois family history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nolin

The surname Nolin is primarily concentrated in French-speaking regions, particularly Quebec, Canada, where it is one of the most common surnames. It also has a significant presence in France, particularly in the regions of Normandy and Bourgogne. In the United States, the highest concentrations of the Nolin family are found in Louisiana and Michigan, with smaller groups scattered across various states. Smaller populations of the Nolin family can be found in countries such as Belgium and Switzerland, where French-speaking immigrants have settled historically. The name may also appear occasionally in other parts of the world due to emigration and global mobility.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nolin

The surname Nolin has several variations and spellings, including Nolon, Nollin, Noelan, Noelen, Nolan, and Noland. These variations may stem from regional dialects, historical spelling differences, or even simple typos over time. The root of the name, which is believed to be derived from the French word "Noël," meaning Christmas, could also be a factor in these alterations. It's interesting to note that while some of these spellings may appear more common in certain regions due to historical migration patterns or linguistic influences, they all share a common origin as a name with potential connections to the Christmas season.

Famous people with the last name Nolin

The Nolin family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Caterina Scorsone, an acclaimed Canadian actress best known for her role as Amelia Shepherd in the ABC series "Grey's Anatomy." Born to American parents living in Toronto, she took up acting professionally at the age of 17. Another prominent figure is French-Canadian athlete Frédéric Nolin, who represented Canada in bobsleigh competitions and won a silver medal in the Four-man event at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. Additionally, there's Eric Nolin, a Canadian ice hockey goaltender who played for multiple National Hockey League teams throughout his career. Lastly, Mélissa Nolin is a French professional tennis player who has achieved a career-high ranking of No. 143 in singles and No. 89 in doubles by the Women's Tennis Association. Each of these individuals have made significant contributions to their respective industries, showcasing the versatility and talent within the Nolin family.

Genealogical research on the last name Nolin

The surname Nolin originates from France and is primarily found in the regions of Normandy, Picardy, and Lorraine. Its earliest documented occurrence dates back to the late Middle Ages, with Jean Nolin appearing in records from Normandy in the year 1420. The name is derived from the Old French word "noue" or "nollon," meaning "nettle." The family initially resided in rural areas associated with nettles, which was common for surnames of that time period. Over the centuries, the Nolin family migrated to various parts of Europe and North America due to religious conflicts, economic pressures, and exploration opportunities. Notable bearers of the name include Pierre-Espérance Nolin, a French explorer who settled in Acadia, Canada, in the 17th century, and Paul Nolin, a Canadian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Manitoba in the early 20th century. Today, there are significant populations of Nolins in France, Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Nol fadly (Last name)

surnames > nol-fadly

The last name "Nol" is of German origin and can be traced back to the Middle High German word "nolle," meaning "nook" or "corner." The last name "Fadly" is of Arabic origin and mea...

Nolakar (Last name)

surnames > nolakar

The last name Nolakar is of Finnish origin. It is a combination of the words "nola," meaning disgrace or shame, and "kar," meaning rock or stone.

Nolasco (Last name)

surnames > nolasco

The origin of the last name "Nolasco" can be traced back to Spain. It is a Spanish surname that is predominantly found in the regions of Galicia and Catalonia. The name "Nolasco" m...

Nolasco del pilar (Last name)

surnames > nolasco-del-pilar

The last name "Nolasco del Pilar" is of Spanish origin. "Nolasco" is derived from the Latin personal name "Nolascus", which means "famous for his goodness". "Del Pilar" translates ...

Nolbmor (Last name)

surnames > nolbmor

The last name "Nolbmor" does not appear to have a specific origin or meaning in English. It may be a rare or unique surname without a clear etymology.

Nole (Last name)

surnames > nole

The last name "Nole" is of Italian origin, derived from the given name "Nola," which itself has uncertain origins. It may be of topographic origin, referring to someone from the to...

Noll (Last name)

surnames > noll

The last name Noll is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Middle High German nol, which means "nobody" or "no one." It was often given to children who were born when their p...

Nollaigh (Last name)

surnames > nollaigh

The surname Nollaigh is of Irish origin and is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Nuallacháin, meaning "descendant of Nuallachán." It is derived from the personal name Nual...

Nollames (Last name)

surnames > nollames

The surname Nollames is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the personal name Alonso, which is a variant of Alonso, itself derived from the Germanic name Adalfuns, meaning "noble...

Nolledo (Last name)

surnames > nolledo

The last name Nolledo is of Filipino origin. It is not common and is most likely of Spanish or Hispanic descent, as the Philippines was a former Spanish colony and many surnames in...

Nollen (Last name)

surnames > nollen

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Nolli (Last name)

surnames > nolli

The surname Nolli is of Italian origin. It derives from a number of possible sources within the Italian linguistic and cultural context. One potential origin is a diminutive form o...

Nollido-insigne (Last name)

surnames > nollido-insigne

The last name "Nollido Insigne" appears to have Spanish origins. "Nollido" is not a common Spanish surname and does not have a known meaning. "Insigne" is a Spanish word meaning "d...

Nollistasc (Last name)

surnames > nollistasc

The last name Nollistasc does not appear to have a commonly known origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a unique or uncommon surname without a clear etymology.