Surname Noble - Meaning and Origin

Unveiling the Nobility in the Noble Family: A DNA Analysis Journey with iGENEA

Discovering the roots of the Noble family through a DNA analysis by iGENEA deepens my understanding of the origins and historical significance of my surname. The ease of testing process and manifold revelations about the Nobles make this journey captivating.

V. Noble

Noble: What does the surname Noble mean?

The surname Noble has roots in both English and French culture, derived from the Middle English, Old French term "noble," initially meaning famous or notable, and later developing the connotation of an aristocrat or someone of the upper class. It is classified as a status or class-based surname - one given to a person based on their societal standing or occupation.

In some cases, it might have been adopted by servants who worked for noble families or by actors who played a nobleman in a play, borrowing the prestige and respect associated with this status. The name was eventually adopted by various individuals and families, and got passed down through generations.

In context, the last name Noble exemplifies dignity, sophistication, and a high societal standing. Therefore, the bearers of this name may embody these characteristics, though not necessarily so. It's essential not to judge individuals based mainly on their names. The meaning of a surname often varies across different cultures and can have unique interpretations apart from the widely-recorded ones.

Noble: Where does the name Noble come from?

The surname Noble is of French and English origin. The Old French term "noble" meant high-born, distinguished, illustrious or eminent, derived from the Latin word "nobilitas," meaning nobility. It was originally a nickname surname given to a person of noble birth or a person who played the part of a nobleman in a pageant or play. It was brought to England by the Norman French during the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

In England, the first recorded spelling of the name was Robert Le Noble, which dates back to 1205 in the Curia Regis Rolls of Lincolnshire. Over time, the name spread to Scotland, Ireland, and then across the Atlantic to the United States and Canada primarily due to migration.

Today, the surname Noble is common in English-speaking countries, with a significant presence in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in the states of New York, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

Variations of the surname Noble

The surname Noble is predominantly English and Scottish, derived from the Old French term "noble," which was given mostly as a nickname to a notable, distinguished person. Variants of the surname Noble include Nobles, Nobel, Nobell, and Nobelle. It is also common to find Noble as a given name, especially in the United States.

Nobles may also be a variation of the English surname Knobloch or Knoblock, originating in Germany and mainly used in the United States. Other variants stemming from this include Knoble and Knobles.

The Scottish and Irish variant of Noble can be nobly or Nobly. It may also be regionalised, for instance, Nobili in Italy, Nobel in Sweden (the most famous person with this name being Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite and the founder of the Nobel Prizes), and De Noble in France.

As for non-Western countries, the translation of the word “noble” is used instead. For example, in in Arabic-speaking countries, the surname can appear as Sharif or even Nabil. In various Asian countries, it can be translated as Szlachetny in Polish, لجيلا in Persian, and 고귀한 in Korean.

Famous people with the name Noble

• John Noble: An Australian actor best known for his roles in "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" and the TV show "Fringe".
• James Noble: An American actor known for his role in the sitcom "Benson".
• Nick Noble: An English professional footballer.
• Mark Noble: Another English footballer who has spent much of his career at West Ham United.
• Sam Noble: An American philanthropist and museum founder.
• Blake Noble: An Australian musician known for his percussive guitar style.
• Kate Noble: A bestselling author of historical romances.
• Lizbeth Noble: A well-known obstetrician and gynecologist.
• Nacho Novo: A Spanish footballer, whose last name translates to "Noble" in English.
• Gilbert Noble: An American television journalist and host.
• Tom Noble: An American record producer and sound engineer.
• Bev Noble: A South African cricketer.
• Peter Noble: a British film publicist and author.
• Brian Noble: a former professional rugby league footballer.
• Robert Noble: A British scientist known for his work in oncology.

Other surnames

NoblesNoblesonNoblet