English speakers borrowed noel from the French word noël, which is also used for both the Christmas holiday and a Christmas carol. It can be traced further back to the Latin word natalis, which can …

Jan 1, 2026 · Inherited from Middle French Noël, from Old French Noel, Naël, inherited from Vulgar Latin *notālis, from Latin nātālis [diēs Dominī] (“birthday of the Lord”) with dissimilation of the first -a- to -o-.

Dec 8, 2025 · “Noel” is a word often sung at Christmas that means “birth” or “birthday,” especially the birth of Christ. It comes from the Latin natalis and French noël, referring to the celebration of Jesus’ …

Nov 25, 2024 · We've been singing it all season long, but what are we talking about? Find out what the word "noel" means and how to use it appropriately during the holidays.

Dec 5, 2024 · “Noel” comes from the same root words from Latin, natus, where we get the nativity, meaning “birth". Early Christians used it to refer specifically to the birth of Christ, often in the phrase …

Dec 18, 2025 · Where Did the Word ‘Noel’ Come From, and What Does It Mean? Our modern English word “Noel” is derived from the Middle English word nowel and means “a shout of joy or Christmas …

Nov 18, 2021 · Noel is a term commonly synonymous with Christmas. From carols to greeting cards, it fits snuggly into Christmas vocabulary, but what does Noel really mean?