Noel

‘Christmas’, from French Noël.

Noel comes from the French word Noël, ‘Christmas’, with a Latin root relating to birth. Its traditional connection is therefore to the Christian Nativity, rather than to winter weather or snow. The French name is masculine; English Noel is also occasionally used for girls. The pronunciation can change its whole rhythm. French Noël has two separate vowels, /nɔ.ɛl/. English Noel can be a single syllable, rhyming with whole, or two syllables with the stress at the beginning. Noel is written without a diaeresis; the French form Noël has one over the e. Its n and l sounds give the name a gentle outline, while the holiday meaning can bring a feeling of celebration and warmth. Noel may appeal especially when that seasonal connection has personal meaning, without needing a name that sounds ornate or ceremonial.

Etymology: Noel comes from French Noël, the word for Christmas. Behind it is Latin natalis, ‘relating to birth’, used in the Christian expression for the birth of Christ.