Etymology Map
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Noble

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means belonging to the aristocracy; having fine personal qualities

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

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

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.