The name Noelle is derived from the French word "noël", meaning "Christmas". It originated as a Christian name given to girls born around the Christmas holiday season. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages in France and other parts of Europe.

Noelle was a relatively uncommon name until the 19th and 20th centuries when it gained popularity, particularly in Catholic regions. One of the earliest recorded uses of the name is found in a 13th-century French manuscript, where a woman named Noelle is mentioned.

In the 16th century, a French noblewoman named Noelle de Tende (1508-1564) gained some historical significance as the wife of René, Count of Villars, and for her involvement in the French Wars of Religion. She was a member of the prestigious House of Savoy.

Another notable Noelle from history was Noelle Revard (1589-1670), a French Benedictine nun and abbess who played a role in the Catholic Counter-Reformation in France. She founded several convents and wrote extensively on religious matters.

During the 18th century, Noelle Pluche (1688-1761) was a French naturalist and writer who authored several works on science and natural history. Her books were widely read and helped popularize scientific knowledge among the general public.

In the 20th century, Noelle de Morsier (1901-1972) was a Swiss-born French artist and illustrator known for her work in children's books and magazines. She collaborated with famous writers such as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and contributed illustrations to numerous publications.

Noelle Leduc (1908-1987) was a French writer and feminist activist who campaigned for women's rights and gender equality. She wrote several novels and essays exploring the themes of female identity and empowerment.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Noelle, highlighting its rich cultural and historical significance.