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Noel Unisex

Popularity: #394 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationNO-el / /ˈnoʊ.əl/

Latin; French

Meaning

Latin: Christmas; French: born on Christmas

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Noel is derived from the Latin word 'natalis,' meaning 'birth,' which is associated with the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. This Latin term evolved into the Old French 'Noël,' which specifically refers to Christmas. The transition into English occurred during the Middle Ages, particularly as the Norman Conquest in the 11th century facilitated the introduction of many Old French terms into the English language. As a result, Noel became associated with the festive season, particularly in the context of Christmas celebrations, and was adopted as a given name in English-speaking regions.

Historically, the name Noel has been linked to various significant figures and events. It appears in the context of Christian traditions, where it is often associated with the Nativity and the joy of the Christmas season. The name has been borne by several saints and notable individuals throughout history, although specific records of such figures are less common. The use of Noel in literature and hymns, especially during the medieval period, further solidified its connection to Christmas. For instance, the carol 'The First Noel' dates back to the 19th century, encapsulating the name's festive connotations.

Culturally, Noel embodies themes of joy, celebration, and rebirth, resonating deeply within Christian traditions. The name has often been used in various artistic expressions, including music and literature, reinforcing its association with the holiday spirit. In some cultures, the name is also linked to the concept of new beginnings, reflecting the significance of birth and renewal inherent in its etymological roots. A diminutive form, 'Noelle,' is also recognized, particularly in feminine contexts, but the masculine form Noel retains a distinct identity rooted in historical and cultural significance.

Trend Summary

The name Noel has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., often peaking during the holiday season.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Noel
  • Noël

International Variants

  • Noé (French)
  • Noel (Spanish)
  • Noël (French)

Famous people named Noel

Noel Gallagher is a musician best known for being the lead guitarist and songwriter of Oasis, and for his solo career.

Noel Fielding is a comedian and actor best known for The Mighty Boosh, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and his work on The Great British Bake Off.

Noel Coward is a playwright, composer, and actor best known for Blithe Spirit, Brief Encounter, and Hay Fever.

Noel Edmonds is a television presenter best known for hosting Deal or No Deal and Top of the Pops.

Noel Clarke is an actor, director, and writer best known for Kidulthood, Adulthood, and Doctor Who.

Fictional characters named Noel

Noel is a fictional character from the video game series BlazBlue. He is a key protagonist who possesses unique abilities and plays a significant role in the overarching narrative of the series.

Noel is a fictional character from the anime and manga series The World God Only Knows. She is a prominent character who becomes one of the main heroines in the story, assisting the protagonist in his quest to capture the hearts of girls.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Noel was first seen in the United States in 1880. Noel has ranked as high as #648 nationally, which occurred in 2014, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Illinois, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Noel has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Noel (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 166
25%
TX 135
21%
NY 59
9%
FL 50
8%
GA 25
4%
IL 21
3%
WA 18
3%
PA 18
3%
AZ 16
2%
VA 16
2%
NC 16
2%
NV 12
2%
MA 11
2%
MD 11
2%
TN 8
1%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188010
188113
188210
18835
188412
18858
18866
18875
188813
188913
189010
18919
189216
189311
189423
189517
189612
189713
189823
189921
190018
190116
190222
190328
190422
190539
190633
190732
190847
190945
191044
191143
191280
1913128
1914136
1915223
1916181
1917192
1918186
1919165
1920206
1921181
1922207
1923187
1924196
1925198
1926205
1927229
1928265
1929241
1930214
1931277
1932300
1933318
1934329
1935339
1936325
1937375
1938425
1939396
1940374
1941335
1942368
1943397
1944360
1945318
1946334
1947382
1948331
1949342
1950305
1951317
1952338
1953336
1954351
1955338
1956390
1957377
1958446
1959448
1960390
1961432
1962419
1963384
1964372
1965387
1966469
1967571
1968639
1969601
1970675
1971643
1972537
1973484
1974506
1975501
1976438
1977445
1978413
1979494
1980458
1981475
1982470
1983462
1984478
1985445
1986473
1987463
1988488
1989561
1990588
1991536
1992510
1993495
1994503
1995521
1996517
1997544
1998495
1999562
2000616
2001583
2002548
2003514
2004572
2005591
2006607
2007635
2008592
2009555
2010545
2011587
2012682
2013778
2014901
2015862
2016846
2017832
2018788
2019791
2020714
2021787
2022742
2023686
2024728