Whalen

Meaning of Whalen

The name Whalen, predominantly used for boys, has its roots in Irish heritage. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname "Ó Faoláin," which means "descendant of Faolán." The name Faolán itself derives from "faol," meaning wolf, combined with a diminutive suffix, thus often interpreted as "little wolf." Pronounced as WAY-lin (/ˈweɪ.lɪn/), Whalen exudes a sense of strength and mystique associated with its lupine origins. Over the years, it has seen sporadic use in the United States, appearing occasionally in baby name rankings but never becoming overly common. This rarity adds to its unique charm for parents seeking a distinctive yet culturally rich name for their child. A notable variation of the name is Whelan, which maintains the same pronunciation and Irish connection.

Pronunciation

American English

  • Pronunced as WAY-lin (/ˈweɪ.lɪn/)

U.S. Popularity Chart

Elena Sandoval
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