Noli first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Noli has been for the last 9 years (from 2014 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Noli

A unisex name of uncertain origin, possibly derived from Latin meaning "be unwilling".

Popularity of Noli by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Noli is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Noli.

Year Male Count Female Count
2022 0 5
2020 0 5
2016 0 6
2014 0 5

The history of the first name Noli

The given name Noli is believed to have originated from the Latin word "noli," which means "do not" or "be unwilling." It is a relatively uncommon name and has been used across various cultures and time periods, albeit with varying levels of popularity.

In ancient Rome, the phrase "noli me tangere" was famously used in the Bible, referring to the words spoken by Jesus to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection. This phrase, which translates to "do not touch me," may have influenced the use of Noli as a given name, although its direct connection is uncertain.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Noli can be found in the 13th century with Noli de Rubeis, an Italian mathematician and astronomer born around 1250 in Parma, Italy. He is known for his contributions to the development of trigonometry and for his work on the calculation of planetary movements.

In the 15th century, Noli da Corneto, also known as Noli Battista, was an Italian painter and sculptor active in Rome and Umbria. He is best known for his altarpieces and frescoes depicting religious scenes, some of which can still be found in churches across Italy.

During the 16th century, Noli Merucci, an Italian poet and playwright, lived in Florence and wrote several poetic works and comedies that were popular during his time.

In the 19th century, Noli Tangere, a novel by José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, became a seminal work in the country's struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. The title, which translates to "do not touch," was a reference to the biblical phrase and served as a powerful metaphor for the Philippine people's resistance against oppression.

Another notable figure with the name Noli was Noli Novell, a 20th-century American musician and composer born in 1920 in New York City. He was known for his contributions to the jazz genre and worked with renowned artists such as Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker.

While the name Noli has maintained a presence throughout history, it remains relatively uncommon, especially in modern times. Its unique origins and associations with various cultural and historical contexts have contributed to its enduring legacy.

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

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

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"Noli first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 1, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/noli-meaning-and-history/.

"Noli first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/noli-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 1 July, 2025

Noli first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/noli-meaning-and-history/.

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