The name Whelen, a variant of Whelan, is a distinctive male given name with roots deeply embedded in Irish heritage. Traditionally an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname "Ó Faoláin," which means "descendant of Faolán" (meaning "little wolf"), Whelen carries connotations of both nobility and the fierce loyalty attributed to wolves. Pronounced WHEE-len (/ˈwiːlən/), this name is relatively rare in the United States, having been given to just 7 newborns in 2023 and ranking at 9714 on the popularity charts. Its uniqueness makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that is both culturally rich and distinctively uncommon.