Noel

♂ Boy

Pronounced NOH-el /noʊˈɛl/High

Meaning: From Old French 'Noël,' derived from Latin 'natalis' (birth) or 'natalis dies Domini' (birthday of the Lord), referring to Christmas; used as a name for children born at ChristmasHigh

In 30 seconds: Noel is the French name for Christmas, meaning 'birth of the Lord.' Elegant and festive, it has been given to boys and girls born around the holiday season and carries a timeless, gentle beauty.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighFrench, Latin

MeaningFrom Old French 'Noël,' derived from Latin 'natalis' (birth) or 'natalis dies Domini' (birthday of the Lord), referring to Christmas; used as a name for children born at Christmas

U.S. rank (2025)#478 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births635 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2014

Total births (all-time)≈ 52,091

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Noel comes from Old French Noël, which traces to Latin natalis (relating to birth) — specifically natalis dies Domini, the birthday of the Lord, i.e., Christmas. The name has been given in French-speaking and Catholic communities to children born at or near Christmas since the medieval period.

Noel has been used in England since at least the 12th century. In the 20th century it gained wider use in the English-speaking world. Playwright and wit Noël Coward (1899–1973) gave the name an association with sophistication and wit. It remains in use for both boys and girls, with Noelle being the more distinctly feminine form.

Did you know? The word 'Noel' appears in Christmas carols as a joyful exclamation (like 'Alleluia') as well as a reference to Christmas itself — giving this name one of the most celebratory of all possible etymological associations.

Overall data confidence 96%

Behind the Name — Noel — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

NoëlNoelleNowell

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Noël Coward (1899–1973)
English playwright, director, and wit (1899–1973), known for his sharp comedies

If you like Noel…

Cole— shares the clean one-to-two syllable sound and the same classic, understated quality

Finn— shares the short, crisp name feel and the same easy friendliness

Joel— shares the biblical/French origin and the same two-syllable open-vowel sound

Leo— shares the short, timeless, and effortlessly elegant quality

Frequently Asked

What does Noel mean?

Noel means Christmas or 'birthday of the Lord,' from Old French Noël and Latin 'natalis dies Domini.' It is traditionally given to children born around Christmas.

How do you pronounce Noel?

Noel is pronounced NOH-el /noʊˈɛl/ — two syllables with stress on the second.

Is Noel a boy or girl name?

Noel is used for both, though the feminine form Noelle (with the added E) is more distinctly associated with girls. Noel is slightly more common for boys.

Is Noel a popular boys' name?

Noel has been a consistent presence in U.S. naming charts and is popular in Catholic and French-heritage communities, as well as among parents who love its festive meaning.