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My father had a cousin named Noel who was given the name because he was born on Christmas Day. I think it's okay. Which is kind of funny, because I absolutely despise Joel. I guess one letter can make a lot of difference. I'd consider Noel as a middle name only for a son born on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, but only those two days. Not a few days before or after Christmas.

I've always liked Noel. It seems quite handsome in a spare way. I dated a Noel in HS and he was a cad but I still like the name. :)

This message was edited 9/11/2017, 5:40 AM

Are you pronouncing it Nowl or No-ell. I like the Nowl pronunciation. I think it has a sort of old man feel to it, which I like in a name, but that others might find odd. I recently watched some stand up comedy by Jason Manford and he said Barry is a middle aged laborer, not a baby. And while I agree, I also like it.

It's nice, and I think it's actually better on a non-Christmas baby.

Love it!

I know a little Noel. He is named after his great-grandfather and I find it kind of jarring on him. It is a really dated name in Australia but not dated to the point that it's ready to come back.

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I know there is another pronunciation but I've only ever heard it said as NOL and I think it's somewhat ugly. Noelle for a girl is pretty and I quite like Nolan for a boy.

It makes me think a Noel from the tv show Felicity (not a bad thing). It sounds intelligent and interesting. I wouldn't think it could only be used for a Christmas/December baby.

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My only hesitation would be people pronouncing it like Noelle, and people assuming he has a girl's name. Hopefully this may not even be an issue where you live.

I don't like it very much. It's better for a girl.

It's alright. It was quite popular here a few years ago, and I used to babysit a boy named Noel and his two siblings. I prefer Noah though.

It feels kind of pretentiously faux-British on an American baby. And it's mumbly.

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Noelle for a girl is very nice though.