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Noelle

♀ Girl

Pronounced noh-EL /noʊˈɛl/High

Meaning: Christmas; born on Christmas Day; from French Noël, from Latin natalis (birth)High

In 30 seconds: The feminine French form of Noel, meaning 'Christmas' or 'born at Christmas.' A festive, elegant name that works beautifully year-round, not just for December babies.
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Origin HighFrench, Latin
MeaningChristmas; born on Christmas Day; from French Noël, from Latin natalis (birth)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 32,986

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201719272017

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

History & Origin

Noelle is the feminine form of Noël, from Old French, ultimately derived from Latin natalis ('relating to birth') — specifically dies natalis Domini ('the birthday of the Lord'). The name was traditionally given to children born on or near Christmas Day. The masculine form Noël and feminine Noëlle have been used in France since the medieval period.

Noelle entered wider use in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it appealed to parents as a festive but elegant alternative to holiday-themed names. It has been a consistent top-200 U.S. girls' name and is popular for December babies.

Did you know? In France, Noël is also the word for 'Christmas' itself — so a child named Noël or Noelle carries the holiday season in their name every day of the year.

Variations

NoëlleNoelNoela

Nicknames

NoeElleEllie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Noelle Pikus-Pace (b. 1981)
    American skeleton racer and Olympic silver medalist (2014).

If you like Noelle…

Eloise— elegant French-origin two-syllable name with a holiday-like musical quality
Isabelle— longer French classic ending in the same -elle sound

Frequently Asked

What does the name Noelle mean?

Noelle is the feminine French form of Noel, meaning 'Christmas' or 'born at Christmas,' from Latin natalis (birth).

How do you pronounce Noelle?

Noelle is pronounced noh-EL (/noʊˈɛl/) — two syllables with stress on the second.

Is Noelle a boy or girl name?

Noelle is the feminine form; Noel is used for both sexes, more often boys.

How popular is Noelle?

Noelle has been a consistent top-200 U.S. girls' name, popular year-round and especially chosen for December babies.