Noble is a name of English origin, derived from the Old French word "noble," which means "of noble birth or station." It is also associated with the Latin word "nobilis," meaning "known" or "famous."
The name Noble has been used historically to denote individuals who are of high social standing or rank. In medieval times, it was often given to those born into aristocratic families or who had achieved significant status through their own merits.
Today, Noble is still considered a prestigious and dignified name, often chosen by parents who wish to convey a sense of nobility and honor in their child's name. Despite its historical associations with high society, the name Noble can be given to children regardless of their social background or family lineage.
Some notable individuals with the name Noble include:
* Noble laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, a politician and diplomat from Myanmar who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991.
* American singer-songwriter Noble Belote, known professionally as Nate Ruess, lead vocalist of the band Fun.
* Canadian actor Noble Willingham, who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career.
Overall, the name Noble carries with it a sense of dignity, honor, and prestige, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a meaningful and distinguished name for their child.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Noble in the United States:
The name Noble first appeared on the U.S. Social Security Administration's (SSA) list of popular baby names in 1880, with six births recorded that year.
From then until now, there have been noticeable fluctuations in its popularity over time. The peak years for the name Noble were around the early 20th century:
* In 1912, a total of 71 babies were named Noble.
* This number increased further to 93 births in 1913 and reached an all-time high of 185 births in 1918.
However, since the mid-20th century, the popularity of the name Noble has generally declined:
* Between 1950 and 1969, there were fewer than 50 births per year for this name.
* This trend continued into the late 20th century, with an average of around 30 births per year from 1970 to 1989.
More recently:
* In the early 21st century, Noble started to gain some traction again. From 2000 onwards, there were consistently over 50 births per year for this name.
* The years 2016-2023 saw a significant increase in popularity, with more than 140 births each year.
In total, as of 2022, the SSA has recorded 9,462 babies named Noble since 1880.