William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Noel
UnisexFrench, Latin· “Christmas”
- Meaning
- Christmas
- Origin
- French, Latin
- Pronunciation
- noh-EHL
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #478
- US babies 2025
- 635
- Best rank
- #267 (1938)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Noel
Noel is a French and Latin name that means “Christmas”.
Noel comes from the French Noël, meaning Christmas, which developed from the Latin natalis, referring to the day of birth, specifically the birth of Christ. It was traditionally given to children born around Christmas, and it is used for both boys and girls, with Noelle as a feminine form. English playwright and composer Noël Coward is a famous bearer. The name carries a gentle, festive warmth without being tied only to the holiday season. Noel is short, easy to spell and familiar in many languages, and it sits well with both classic and modern middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Noelle.
Popularity over time
Noel has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 144 different years. Its best national rank was #267 in 1938, and the most babies received it in 2014, when 901 were named Noel. In 2025, 635 babies were named Noel, and it ranked #478 nationally. That is 26% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #414 in 1920, #384 in 1950, #376 in 1980, #406 in 2000, #478 in 2010, and #478 in 2025. Of the 52,096 US boys named Noel since records began, 15% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 5,814 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Lyric and Arden.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Noel ranked highest in California, Texas, and North Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #293 | 126 |
| Texas | #314 | 119 |
| North Carolina | #413 | 27 |
| Illinois | #414 | 27 |
| Arizona | #426 | 18 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Noel is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 20% of US babies named Noel were girls and 80% were boys.
Noel is usually pronounced noh-EHL, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with N and ends in “-el”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Noelle.
Middle names for Noel
A few middle names that flow with Noel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Noel
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Lists that include Noel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Noel mean?
Noel is a French and Latin name that means “Christmas”.
What is the origin of the name Noel?
Noel has French and Latin roots. Noel comes from the French Noël, meaning Christmas, which developed from the Latin natalis, referring to the day of birth, specifically the birth of Christ.
Is Noel a popular name?
Yes. Noel ranked #478 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Noel a boy or girl name?
Noel is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 20% of US babies named Noel were girls and 80% were boys.
How do you pronounce Noel?
Noel is usually pronounced noh-EHL. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings