Noel

Noel or Noël has been in use as both a given name and a surname since the 12th century. It has been traditionally given to children born over the Christmas period, and most early baptisms of the name took place in December or early January. It is a unisex name, but was more commonly used for boys than girls, often in the spelling "Nowell" which in some instances may have been thanks to an adoption of the surname. The dieresis can be used over the e and is an indication that both syllables are pronounced.

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Famous women include: Noel Streatfeild (author known for the Ballet Shoes) and Countess Noël Rothes (Titanic survivor). Famous men include: Noël Coward and Noel Gallagher.

Noel is the French word for Christmas and is a not-too-uncommon name for children born during the Christmas season.

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However, there is an assertion that Noel does NOT mean "birth". Sorry, but ultimately it does. Romance (that mean Latin-derived) languages' word for "Christmas" is usually some derivative of the natalis -- Latin for "birth". Noel is Old French, and is, indeed Latin-derived.

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The English male name is commonly pronounced No-wuhl, but if it is accompanied by a trema (two dots over the "e") then it is pronounced No-el (to the English-trained ear this sounds like No-well, but there is a subtle difference).

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Technically, if it is a female name, it should be spelled Noelle. However, some women are named with the masculine spelling and the French pronunciation, especially if they are Christmas babies.

Noel means birth in France.

Noel does not mean "birth" in France. It means "Christmas"! "Naissanie" means "birth".