NameCensus.

UK surname

Noel

From the Old French word "noel" meaning "Christmas," likely referring to someone born on or associated with the holiday.

In the 1881 census there were 455 people recorded with the Noel surname, ranking it #7,268 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,840, ranked #3,445, up from #7,268 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to London parishes, St Leonard Shoreditch and St Pancras. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Lewisham, Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Noel is 1,873 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 304.4%.

1881 census count

455

Ranked #7,268

Modern count

1,840

2016, ranked #3,445

Peak year

2010

1,873 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Noel had 455 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #7,268 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,840 in 2016, ranked #3,445.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 655 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Noel surname distribution map

The map shows where the Noel surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Noel surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Noel over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 234 #9,241
1861 historical 305 #8,321
1881 historical 455 #7,268
1891 historical 456 #7,996
1901 historical 586 #7,201
1911 historical 655 #6,408
1997 modern 1,525 #3,858
1998 modern 1,626 #3,781
1999 modern 1,624 #3,816
2000 modern 1,606 #3,843
2001 modern 1,576 #3,830
2002 modern 1,616 #3,816
2003 modern 1,561 #3,858
2004 modern 1,608 #3,765
2005 modern 1,610 #3,718
2006 modern 1,642 #3,657
2007 modern 1,668 #3,634
2008 modern 1,713 #3,573
2009 modern 1,772 #3,551
2010 modern 1,873 #3,457
2011 modern 1,815 #3,510
2012 modern 1,807 #3,467
2013 modern 1,823 #3,496
2014 modern 1,850 #3,474
2015 modern 1,845 #3,457
2016 modern 1,840 #3,445

Geography

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Where Noels are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around London parishes, St Leonard Shoreditch, St Pancras and Roath. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Lewisham, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 London parishes London 1
2 St Leonard Shoreditch London (East Districts)
3 London parishes London 3
4 St Pancras London (North Districts)
5 Roath Glamorganshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Lewisham 003 Lewisham
2 Ealing 001 Ealing
3 Hammersmith and Fulham 005 Hammersmith and Fulham
4 Hammersmith and Fulham 006 Hammersmith and Fulham
5 Kensington and Chelsea 012 Kensington and Chelsea

Forenames

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First names often paired with Noel

These lists show first names that appear often with the Noel surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Noel

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Noel, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Noel surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Noel household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Noel is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Noel is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Noel falls in decile 3 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Noel is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Noel, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Noel

The surname Noel is of French origin and is derived from the Latin word "natalis," meaning "birth" or "natal day," referring to Christmas. It was initially used as a given name before becoming a hereditary surname.

The earliest recorded use of Noel as a surname dates back to the 12th century in Normandy, France. It was likely adopted by families who lived near churches or monasteries dedicated to the Nativity of Christ or by those born around Christmas time.

One of the earliest known bearers of the Noel surname was Raoul Noel, a Norman knight who accompanied William the Conqueror during the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. His name is recorded in the famous Domesday Book of 1086, which was a survey of landholdings commissioned by William I.

In the 13th century, the Noel family became prominent landowners in Staffordshire, England. John Noel (c. 1225-1292) was a notable member of this family and served as a knight and sheriff of Staffordshire.

During the 16th century, the Noel family gained further prominence in England. Sir Andrew Noel (c. 1507-1581) was a member of Parliament and a supporter of the Protestant Reformation. His son, Edward Noel (c. 1530-1589), was also a member of Parliament and served as a justice of the peace.

In the 17th century, Baptist Noel (1616-1676) was a notable English clergyman and a prominent figure in the Particular Baptist movement. He was known for his strong opposition to religious persecution and his advocacy for religious liberty.

Another famous bearer of the Noel surname was Rennell Noel (1772-1854), a British naval officer and explorer. He was best known for his explorations of the Arctic regions and his contributions to the mapping of the Canadian Arctic.

The Noel family has also produced several notable writers and poets throughout history. Thomas Noel (1799-1861) was an English poet and playwright, while Roden Noel (1834-1894) was a renowned English poet and essayist.

Overall, the surname Noel has a rich historical legacy, tracing its roots back to Norman France and spanning various fields, including military service, politics, religion, exploration, and literature.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Noel families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Noel surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Channel Islands leads with 352 Noels recorded in 1881 and an index of 150.34x.

County Total Index
Channel Islands 352 150.34x
Middlesex 129 1.63x
Surrey 56 1.45x
Lancashire 50 0.53x
Glamorgan 38 2.76x
Sussex 25 1.88x
Hampshire 21 1.30x
Yorkshire 20 0.26x
Cornwall 19 2.12x
Kent 19 0.70x
Northamptonshire 9 1.21x
Cheshire 8 0.46x
Hertfordshire 6 1.10x
Norfolk 6 0.49x
Gloucestershire 5 0.32x
Berkshire 4 0.67x
Nottinghamshire 4 0.38x
Somerset 4 0.31x
Worcestershire 4 0.39x
Devon 3 0.18x
Durham 3 0.13x
Royal Navy 3 3.19x
Rutland 3 5.17x
Denbighshire 2 0.67x
Derbyshire 2 0.16x
East Lothian 2 1.91x
Essex 2 0.13x
Herefordshire 2 0.62x
Brecknockshire 1 0.63x
Buckinghamshire 1 0.21x
Dorset 1 0.19x
Lincolnshire 1 0.08x
Northumberland 1 0.09x
Oxfordshire 1 0.20x
Suffolk 1 0.10x
Warwickshire 1 0.05x
Wiltshire 1 0.14x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. St Martin in Channel Islands leads with 151 Noels recorded in 1881 and an index of 1053.00x.

Place Total Index
St Martin 151 1053.00x
St Helier 116 152.19x
St Saviour 30 231.84x
St Peter Port 19 43.87x
St George Hanover Square 16 11.49x
St Pancras London 16 2.52x
Shoreditch London 14 4.09x
Grouville 12 184.05x
Kensington London 12 2.73x
Lambeth 12 1.74x
Islington London 11 1.44x
Salford 10 3.63x
Trinity 10 184.50x
Cardiff St John 9 20.03x
Redruth 9 35.56x
Wellingborough 9 24.08x
Ystradyfodwg 9 7.46x
Margate St John Baptist 8 16.21x
Mile End Old Town London 8 4.76x
Portsea 8 2.52x
Preston 8 3.19x
Bedford 7 35.70x
Blackburn 7 2.81x
Dukinfield 7 8.68x
Paddington London 7 2.41x
Roath 7 11.20x
Streatham 7 11.94x
Teddington London 7 39.11x
Camberwell 6 1.19x
Cardiff St Mary 6 7.92x
East Horsley 6 759.49x
Newhaven 6 55.45x
Newington 6 2.06x
Oving 6 133.33x
Saddleworth 6 9.93x
St Albans St Peter 6 32.64x
St Brelade 6 99.67x
St Giles In Fields London 6 15.48x
Stanhoe 6 504.20x
Illogan 5 21.11x
Kingston Near Lewes 5 1562.50x
St Sampson 5 47.39x
St Stephens By Saltash 5 129.87x
Tonbridge 5 5.14x
Toxteth Park 5 1.57x
Westminster St James 5 6.16x
Aldershot 4 7.37x
Alverstoke 4 6.82x
Alvington 4 380.95x
Bromley London 4 2.30x
Castleford 4 14.03x
Richmond 4 7.41x
Skelton In Guisbrough 4 18.89x
Bow London 3 2.98x
Folkestone 3 5.74x
Hornsey 3 3.00x
Nottingham St Mary 3 1.09x
Penge 3 5.94x
Poplar London 3 2.01x
Royal Navy 3 3.73x
St Marylebone London 3 0.71x
Swansea Town 3 2.66x
Trawden 3 51.11x
Walton On Thames 3 16.97x
Aberdare 2 2.12x
Belbroughton 2 37.38x
Berwick North 2 27.29x
Buxton 2 19.10x
Eglwysfach 2 65.57x
Everton 2 0.67x
Fulham London 2 1.75x
Holy Trinity 2 1.06x
Oakham Lordshold 2 32.95x
Southampton 2 156.25x
Southampton All Sts 2 7.20x
Spetchley 2 465.12x
St John 2 44.74x
St Paul Covent Garden 2 25.28x
Tilehurst 2 16.69x
Westoe 2 1.50x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Noel surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 61
Elizabeth 30
Jane 26
Louisa 18
Ann 14
Eliza 12
Emily 11
Sarah 11
Alice 10
Emma 10
Margaret 10
Susan 10
Annie 9
Esther 9
Edith 7
Ellen 7
Harriet 6
Kate 5
Clara 4
Eleanor 4
Fanny 4
Hilda 4
Louise 4
Mabel 4
Agnes 3
Anne 3
Cecilia 3
Charlotte 3
Frances 3
Ida 3
Jessie 3
Julia 3
Lydia 3
Matilda 3
Ada 2
Aimy 2
Amelia 2
Amy 2
Augusta 2
Ella 2
Emilie 2
Henrietta 2
Isabella 2
Jeanne 2
M.J. 2
May 2
Mayam 2
Nelly 2
Norah 2
Violet 2

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Noel surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
George 35
John 30
Philip 28
William 25
Charles 20
Henry 19
Edward 16
Thomas 15
Alfred 14
James 14
Walter 8
David 6
Ernest 6
Francis 6
Clement 5
Joshua 5
Albert 4
Arthur 4
Josue 4
Robert 4
Auguste 3
Daniel 3
Edwin 3
Frank 3
Frederick 3
Horace 3
Joseph 3
Peter 3
Samuel 3
Winter 3
Byron 2
Edmund 2
Edouard 2
Gerard 2
Harry 2
Herbert 2
Ludovic 2
Nicolas 2
Percy 2
Sidney 2
Austin 1
B. 1
Barham 1
Clemt. 1
Cyril 1
E. 1
E.P. 1
Earnest 1
Grisonie 1
Wyndham 1

FAQ

Noel surname: questions and answers

How common was the Noel surname in 1881?

In 1881, 455 people were recorded with the Noel surname. That placed it at #7,268 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Noel surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,840 in 2016. That gives Noel a modern rank of #3,445.

What does the Noel surname mean?

From the Old French word "noel" meaning "Christmas," likely referring to someone born on or associated with the holiday.

What does the Noel map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Noel bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.