NOBEL
Noble (surname)
Noble is a British surname of Old French origin, derived from the word noble, meaning distinguished or of high birth. The surname has its roots in the medieval period, with early recordings dating back to the 12th century.
Origin and Meaning:
The surname Noble was originally used as a nickname to denote someone of good character or high social standing. It may also have been an occupational surname for one who served in a noble household.
Distribution and Popularity:
The surname Noble is widespread throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions such as England, Scotland, and Wales. It is also found in other English-speaking countries with historical ties to Britain, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Individuals:
- Alfred Noble (1833-1896): Swedish inventor and engineer, known for inventing dynamite and establishing the Nobel Prizes.
- Duncan Noble (b. 1979): British artist and illustrator, renowned for his intricate and imaginative works.
Variants:
Variants of the surname Noble include Nobles, Noblin, and Knoble.
References:
- Reaney, P.H. & Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997.
- Hanks, P. & Hodges, F. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1988.
There are approximately 78 people named Nobel in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Nobel.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- David
Female
- Charlotte
- Louise
- Sharon
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.