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 …

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.

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 26, 2025 · Since early songs often used the first word as the title, a “noel” came to refer to any song about the birth of Christ. Because of this, the word now carries the dual meaning of a Christmas song …

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 …

"Christmas, the Feast of the Nativity," from Old French noel "the Christmas season,"… See origin and meaning of noel.

Religious festivals advent All Saints' Day All Souls' Day ascension Ascension Day Day of the Dead Divali Diwali Easter Easter Day Hegira Hejira Hijrah holy day pre-Christmas Purim Ramadan Rosh …

Nov 13, 2025 · The basic meaning of Noel is “birth,” a reference to the birth of Jesus Christ. Noel has been used historically as both a representation of Christmas itself and as an element in Christmas …