noble

Where does the word "noble" come from? It comes from Latin nobilis, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Noble’s story begins in Latin: nobilis meant “well-known, famous.” From 'noscere', to know, the same root as 'notice' and 'notorious'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as noble. Came to mean high-born, a member of the landed aristocracy. It reached English by 1200s as noble. Also named a gold coin issued by Edward III. Today, noble means belonging to the aristocracy; having fine personal qualities.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient nobilis "well-known, famous", from 'noscere', to know, the same root as 'notice' and 'notorious'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval noble "high-born", came to mean high-born, a member of the landed aristocracy.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s noble "aristocratic; morally fine", also named a gold coin issued by Edward III.