Origin: |
Noel derives from the Old French noël "Christmas," a variant (and later a replacement) of nael which itself derives from the Latin natalis "birth." The term natalis dies (birth day) was long used in Church Latin in reference to the birthday of Christ -- or in other words: Christmas. In modern English, a Noel can also be used to refer to a Christmas carol. |
Usage: |
Like Christmas, Noel has been in use as both a given name and a surname since the 12th century. It has been traditionally given to children born over the Christmas period, and most early baptisms of the name took place in December or early January. Even the surname is thought to have originally been given to someone born at Christmas, though it soon became a hereditary name passed down the generations. For example, the founded of Ronton Prior is named as Thomas Noel in 1182, but his father was listed earlier in c.1150 as Robertus Noelli showing he inherited the surname* As spellings were not fixed, the surname develope many alternate forms such as Noell, Nowell, Nowill and Noale. In the 15th and 16th century, Noel became more established as a given name, and wasn't just confined to the Christmas period as it became passed down generations. It was well used in France and Belgium, and was used moderately in Britain as well. Generally, it was a unisex name, but was more commonly used for boys than girls, often in the spelling "Nowell" which in some instances may have been thanks to an adoption of the surname. However, during this period, it should be noted that it was much more common for British children to be called "Christmas" if they were born during the festive season. It was in the 19th century that Noel really began to increase. It was still used occasionally for girls, but was prominently masculine in use. And although it was registered throughout the year, it is notable that the most common birth quarter for registrations was January-March, suggesting many children were born at the end of December. Birth registrations in England and Wales demonstrate its dramatic rise in the second half of the 19th century: 1840s: 41 births
Since 1996, Noel has mostly ranked between top 500-800 most popular boys names in England and Wales. It's lowest point was #953 (16 births) in 2000. However, since 2011, Noel name has been steadily rising in both England and Wales and Scotland. In 2014, Noel ranked #374 (109 births) in England and Wales, #322 (12 births) in Scotland, and #346 (4 births) in Northern Ireland. |
Famous Bearers: |
History: * Nowell Salmon (1835-1912), British Admiral of the Fleet and recipient of the Victoria Cross. Contempory: * Noel Edmonds (b.1948), British television presenter. |
Variants: |
Noël, Noelle |
Pronunciation: |
NŌL / NŌ-əl [key] |
Possible Diminutives: |
Nolly |
Sibling Names: |
June Vera Mavis Audrey Olive Hazel |
Name Lists: |
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Thanks to Dawn for requesting this post.