Noelle

The tradition of giving the name Noël or Noëlle to children born around Christmas is documented in French records from at least the 12th century. The name appears in medieval lists of saints, though no single historical figure dominates its history.

Instead, the liturgical calendar itself sustained the name: parents across Catholic France and Francophone regions used Noël for boys and Noëlle for girls born on or near December 25, a custom that continued into modern times.

British playwright and composer Sir Noël Coward (1899-1973), born on December 16, brought the masculine form into 20th century English awareness through plays such as Private Lives (1930) and Blithe Spirit (1941).

The feminine Noelle gained currency later, partly through the character Noelle Page in Sidney Sheldon’s best-selling novel The Other Side of Midnight (1973).

According to U.S. Social Security Administration records, Noelle first entered the top 1000 in 1960 and climbed gradually, reaching the top 200 during the 2010s.

The name sees seasonal spikes around Christmas in search trends and birth announcements. It remains popular in France, French-speaking Canada, and increasingly across the broader English-speaking world, including the United Kingdom and Australia.

Notable bearers include American fencer Noelle Singarajah and the character Noelle Holiday in the Hallmark Channel’s extensive holiday programming.