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.

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 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 …

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-.

Signifying the holiday season, Noël comes from the Latin verb nasci, meaning “to be born.” A variation of this word, nael, made its way into Old French.

Noel means "Christmas" in French, symbolizing joy, celebration, and the birth of Christ.

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 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?