Noble is a name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls throughout history. The name is derived from the Middle English word "noble," which means of high rank or dignity, or wealthy. It can also be associated with the Latin word "nobilis," meaning noble.
The use of Noble as a given name began in the Middle Ages when it was used to denote individuals who were born into nobility or had attained a high social status through their achievements. Over time, however, its usage expanded beyond just those of noble birth, and today it is used by people from all walks of life.
One famous bearer of the name Noble was Sir Christopher Newport, an English sailor and explorer who played a significant role in the colonization of Virginia. He was born around 1564 and became a privateer for Queen Elizabeth I before later serving as captain of the Susan Constant during its voyage to Jamestown in 1607.
Another notable figure with the name Noble is Sir Robert Talbot-Colebrooke, 3rd Earl of Enniskillen (1812-1894), a British soldier and politician who served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Forces from 1877 to 1879.
Despite its historic association with nobility, today Noble is simply seen as an attractive and distinctive name choice for both boys and girls. It remains relatively uncommon compared to other popular names but continues to be used by families who appreciate its regal sound and meanings associated with it.
The name Noble has had a fluctuating popularity over the past century in the United States. While it was relatively common at the start of the 20th century, with a peak of 20 births in 1921, its usage declined significantly throughout the mid-20th century, with only five births recorded annually between 1963 and 2004.
However, since the early 2000s, there has been a resurgence in popularity for the name Noble. Between 2005 and 2023, there were at least six births each year, with some years seeing as many as seventeen births. The most recent data shows that in 2023, there were seventeen recorded births with the name Noble.
Overall, over the past century, there have been a total of 467 babies named Noble born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has varied significantly over time, it continues to be chosen by parents as a strong and distinctive option for their children's names.