Noble History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Netherlands 
  France 
  Scotland 
  Ireland 
  England 


From the historical and enchanting region of Scotland emerged a multitude of noble families, including the distinguished Noble family. Originally, the Scottish people were known only by a single name. Often they adopted names that were derived from nicknames. Nickname surnames were derived from an eke-name, or added name. They usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name.

Noble is a nickname type of surname for a person of exceptionally graceful character having derived from the Old French word noble, which was of essentially the same meaning as the modern English term. "This complimentary sobriquet was not allowed to die out by the fortunate possessors, and they have bred a large progeny." 1

Looking back further, the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae listed Walter and Gillebert le Noble, Normandy 1180 - 1195. 2

Early Origins of the Noble family

The surname Noble was first found in East Lothian where "an English family of this name settled as subvassals of the family of de Vallibus (Vaux) at the end of the twelfth century. William Nobilis held part of the lands of Garmilton under William de Vallibus. He was succeeded by his son Radulph who confirmed his father's grants. Radulphus Nobilis witnessed a grant by Vinianus de Mulineys to the Hospital of Soltre, 1198-1234, and between 1214-30 he witnessed an agreement between the monks of Neubotle and Adam Malherb, lord of Morham. " 3

Further to the south in England, the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed: Amice le Noble, Huntingdonshire; Hugh le Noble, Bedfordshire; and Thomas le Noble, Oxfordshire. The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 included Robertus Nobill. 1

Early History of the Noble family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Noble research. Another 154 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1337, 1464, 1467, 1489, 1490, 1495, 1497, 1504 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Noble History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Noble Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Noble, Nobel, Nobille, Norbell, MacNoble, Nobill, Nobil, Nobelle, Noeble, Nobile, Nobels, Nobells, McNoble and many more.

Early Notables of the Noble family

Notable among the family at this time was

Noble World Ranking

In the United States, the name Noble is the 691st most popular surname with an estimated 42,279 people with that name. 4 However, in Canada, the name Noble is ranked the 594th most popular surname with an estimated 8,488 people with that name. 5 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Noble is the 266th popular surname with an estimated 166 people with that name. 6 France ranks Noble as 4,268th with 1,500 - 2,000 people. 7 Australia ranks Noble as 360th with 10,038 people. 8 New Zealand ranks Noble as 485th with 1,409 people. 9 The United Kingdom ranks Noble as 332nd with 18,494 people. 10

Migration of the Noble family to Ireland

Some of the Noble family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 69 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Noble migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Noble Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Noble Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Noble Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Noble migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Noble Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Noble Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
Noble Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century

Noble migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Noble Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Noble migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Noble Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Noble migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 19
Noble Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Noble (post 1700) +


The Noble Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Fide et fortitudine
Motto Translation: By fidelity and fortitude.


Suggested Readings for the name Noble +
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