A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Noble since 1880
Babies named Noble per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Noble's real moment was 1901.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 164 |
| 1890s | 247 |
| 1900s | 296 |
| 1910s | 1,193 |
| 1920s | 1,484 |
| 1930s | 891 |
| 1940s | 744 |
| 1950s | 542 |
| 1960s | 369 |
| 1970s | 287 |
| 1980s | 237 |
| 1990s | 393 |
| 2000s | 678 |
| 2010s | 1,351 |
| 2020s | 899 |
Meaning & origin
Noble is an English virtue name that has been in recorded use since at least 1880. It reached its peak popularity in 1901, then declined for much of the 20th century. Since 1985, however, the name has been rising steadily, reflecting a broader revival of older, dignified names. In 2025, it ranked 1,333rd with a 1-in-11,862 rate. Its strongest historical foothold has been in Indiana, North Carolina, and Georgia. Noble's straightforward meaning and sound give it an understated strength, likely appealing to parents seeking a name with moral weight and a vintage feel without being overly common.
Noble derives directly from the English vocabulary word for a person of high social rank or admirable qualities. It was occasionally used as a given name in the 17th and 18th centuries, but saw its most consistent use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States among families seeking a virtuous or aspirational name.
Where Noble is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nobe, Nobby, No
Sibling names for Noble
Names that share Noble's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Grace, Faith, Hope, Prudence, Honor, Charisma, Charm, Reign, Honesty, Justyce, Lovely, Victory, Allure, Favor, Lovette, Merit, Nobie, Amazing, Honestee, Purity, Purpose, Sacred, Wealthy, Honestie, Innocence, Joyous, Justise, Loyalti, Prosperity
Brothers: Earnest, Royal, Victor, Clement, Truman, Freeman, Loyal, Prince, Saint, Brave, Champion, Excell, Lawyer, Lord, Majestic, Solace, Supreme, Truce, Unnamed, Choice, Gentle, Kingdom, Savior, Sovereign, Clever, Courage, Emperor, Prodigy
