Declining since 2018, #9,457 for girls today.
Popularity of Noelly since 1995
Babies named Noelly per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 14 |
| 2000s | 47 |
| 2010s | 78 |
| 2020s | 55 |
Meaning & origin
Noelly is a modern feminine variant of Noël, the French word for Christmas. First recorded in the U.S. in 1995, it has been a rare but consistent choice, reaching its peak in 2022. Despite a falling trajectory since 2018, it remains a distinctive option. With a rank of 9,457 as of 2025, it is given to roughly 1 in 160,727 newborns, making it an exceptionally uncommon name. Its French origin and seasonal meaning give it a warm, festive feel without heavy cultural baggage.
Noelly is a feminine variant of Noël, the French word for Christmas, ultimately derived from Latin "natalis" meaning "birth." It emerged in the late 20th century as a modern, melodic form, often given to girls born around the Christmas season. The name reflects a trend of creating feminine variants of masculine names, here adding a -y suffix for a softer sound.
“Noelly” around the world
Where Noelly lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Noe, Ellie, Nell
Sibling names for Noelly
Names that share Noelly's style, for a brother or sister.
