Find out how popular the first name Noir has been for the last 6 years (from 2018 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Noir by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Noir is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 58% of people named Noir being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 17 female babies and 7 male babies born with the name Noir.

The history of the first name Noir

The given name Noir is derived from the French word "noir" which means black or dark in color. The name's origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages in France, where it was likely used as a descriptive surname for individuals with dark hair or complexion.

Noir first emerged as a given name during the Renaissance period in France, around the 15th to 16th centuries. It was a time when French culture and language were widely celebrated and influential across Europe, leading to the adoption of French names in various regions.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Noir was a French painter and sculptor named Noir Desloges, who lived in the late 16th century. His works were primarily focused on religious themes and were commissioned by churches and nobility.

In the 17th century, Noir gained popularity as a given name among the French aristocracy. Notable figures from this era include Noir de La Motte, a French playwright and poet who wrote several successful plays that were performed in Paris during the reign of King Louis XIV.

As the name spread across Europe, it was adopted in various cultures and languages, often with slight variations in spelling or pronunciation. In Italy, for instance, the name appeared as Noire, while in Spain it was sometimes spelled as Nuyr.

During the 19th century, the name Noir gained wider recognition beyond its French roots. One of the most famous individuals with this name was the American writer and poet Noir Poe, who was renowned for his works of mystery and macabre. He was born in 1809 and is considered a pioneer of the short story genre.

Another notable figure from this era was Noir Zola, a French novelist and playwright who was a prominent figure in the literary realism movement. His works, such as "Germinal" and "Nana," provided a critical examination of the social and political conditions of the time.

In the 20th century, the name Noir continued to be used across various cultures. One of the most influential individuals with this name was the French philosopher and existentialist Noir Sartre, who was born in 1905 and was widely acclaimed for his works such as "Being and Nothingness" and "No Exit."

Another prominent individual with the name Noir was the American jazz musician Noir Armstrong, who was born in 1901 and was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz music.

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 Noir was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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