How to say it
no · ELLE
/noʊˈɛl/
Feminine
Noelle
Christmas
What it means
French feminine of Noël ('Christmas'), from Latin natalis (dies) ('birth day' — specifically Christ's birthday). Traditionally given to girls born around Christmas; the secular usage took over in the 20th century.
Noelle is the French feminine of Noël, from the Latin dies natalis ('day of birth' — specifically Christ's birthday, Christmas). The French Noël (masculine) and Noëlle (feminine) were traditionally given to babies born around Christmas. Noel Coward, the playwright, used the masculine form (he was born on December 16). The English Noelle has been in regular use since the mid-20th century. The Bachelor's Noelle DePalma and the broader French-name revival have kept it climbing. It's been in the US top 300 since 2010. Single short forms aren't common.
Popularity over time
peaked at #202 in 2021, currently #202 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–present. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Pronunciation
no-ELL, two syllables, stress on the second. The French Noëlle is closer to no-EL with the umlaut marking the separate vowel sounds.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Noel Coward English playwright (masculine spelling), born December 16, 1899
Spelling variants
- Noel
- Noëlle
Names with the same feeling
See Noelle from another angle
By meaning