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boy name · irish origin

Phelan

/ FEE-lan /
Boy irish 2 syllables
Meaning
Phelan means little wolf (irish).
Gender
Boy
Origin
irish
Pronunciation
FEE-lan
Popularity
#13402 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Phelan in the US, 1880–2025
1960198020002020

Phelan first appears in US records in 0. It peaked in 1996, when 26 boys were given the name.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Is Phelan popular?

Steady Phelan has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 1996.

US babies given the name Phelan, by decade
2020s 52
2010s 95
2000s 115
1990s 163
1980s 80
1970s 60
1960s 5
1950s 5
1940s 6

Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.

What does Phelan mean?

Anglicised form of the Irish Faolan (via the surname O Faolain), from 'faol' ('wolf') plus the diminutive suffix '-an', meaning 'little wolf' or 'wolf cub'.

Names like Phelan

irish names with a similar feel and popularity.

See all names like Phelan →

Names that pair well with Phelan

Popular irish names for a sibling or a middle name.

Compare Phelan

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Phelan mean?

Phelan means little wolf. Anglicised form of the Irish Faolan (via the surname O Faolain), from 'faol' ('wolf') plus the diminutive suffix '-an', meaning 'little wolf' or 'wolf cub'.

What is the origin of the name Phelan?

Phelan is of irish origin.

How do you pronounce Phelan?

Phelan is pronounced “FEE-lan.”

Is Phelan a boy or a girl name?

Phelan is most commonly used as a boy name.

Is Phelan a popular name right now?

Phelan has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 1996.

How popular is the name Phelan?

In 2025, Phelan ranked #13402 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Phelan most popular?

Phelan was most popular in 1996, when about 26 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What names are similar to Phelan?

Names similar to Phelan include Colm, Eoghan, Faolan, Oisin, Ruairi.

What names go well with Phelan?

irish names that pair well with Phelan include Ryan, Liam, Aiden, Sean, Aidan.