Declining since 2017.
Popularity of Noela since 1920
Babies named Noela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 18 |
| 1930s | 6 |
| 1940s | 20 |
| 1950s | 13 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 12 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 45 |
| 2010s | 77 |
| 2020s | 38 |
Meaning & origin
Noela is a rare and distinctive feminine name with a clear seasonal connection: it directly translates to 'Christmas' from the French Noël. Although it has never entered the U.S. top 1000 rankings, its popularity saw a modest peak in 2002, after which it has been on a gradual decline since 2017. The name was first recorded in U.S. birth data in 1920, and it remains an uncommon choice, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with a specific, meaningful association. As a feminine variant, it joins the larger family of names derived from the Latin 'natalis,' including Noelle and Natalie.
Noela is the feminine form of Noël, the French word for Christmas, derived from the Latin 'natalis' meaning 'birth.' The name refers to the Nativity of Jesus and was traditionally given to girls born on Christmas Day. It has been used in English-speaking countries since the late 19th century, often as a direct feminine variant of the masculine Noel.
“Noela” around the world
Where Noela lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Noe, Ela, Nelly
Sibling names for Noela
Names that share Noela's style, for a brother or sister.
