Find out how popular the first name Noble has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Noble by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Noble is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 95% of people named Noble being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 152 male babies and 17 female babies born with the name Noble.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 17 baby girls were named Noble in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Noble

The name Noble originated from the Old French word "noble" which meant someone with an exalted status, noble character, or notable courage. It stems from the Latin word "nobilis" meaning well-known or distinguished. The name first emerged in medieval Europe during the feudal era, when titles of nobility were highly prized.

Noble was initially used as a descriptive title for aristocrats, knights, and members of the ruling class. It signified their elevated social rank, prestigious bloodline, and ownership of lands or property. Over time, it transitioned into a given name bestowed upon male children, carrying the connotation of high birth, valor, and moral virtue.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Noble appears in the 13th-century French epic poem "The Song of Roland." The main protagonist, Roland, a noble knight and military leader, embodied the chivalric ideals of courage, loyalty, and honor. His noble deeds and sacrifice during the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778 AD inspired generations of warriors and poets.

In England, the name gained prominence during the Renaissance period. Sir Thomas Noble (c. 1515-1590) was a notable English soldier and politician who served under King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. He played a crucial role in suppressing the Northern Rebellion of 1569 and was knighted for his military accomplishments.

Another prominent figure was Noble Wimberly Jones (1723-1805), a British-American planter and politician from Georgia. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and signed the Articles of Confederation in 1778, contributing to the establishment of the United States.

In the realm of literature, Noble Wilford Butler (1872-1923) was an American author and journalist best known for his novel "The Way of the Dog," which portrayed the life of sled dogs in the Yukon Territory. His vivid depictions of the harsh Northern wilderness and the endurance of the canine spirit earned him critical acclaim.

During the American Civil War, Union Army General Noble D. Preston (1836-1922) distinguished himself in numerous battles, including the Battle of Chickamauga and the Atlanta Campaign. His bravery and leadership earned him the rank of Brevet Major General by the end of the war.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the name Noble throughout history, exemplifying the qualities of honor, distinction, and moral fortitude that the name embodies.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Noble was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Noble, please contact us.

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