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Last Name Noll

What is the origin of the last name Noll?

The last name Noll is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Middle High German nol, which means "nobody" or "no one." It was often given to children who were born when their parents were expecting a different child, or as a way to acknowledge that they were unwanted or unexpected. The name can also be found in other Germanic languages such as Dutch and Swedish with similar meanings. In some cases, it may have been a nickname for someone who was shy or unassuming.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Noll

The meaning and origin of the last name Noll

The surname Noll is of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German word "noll" meaning 'knob', 'lump' or 'bump'. This name was often given to someone who had some physical feature that resembled a knob or lump, or it could have been a topographic name for someone living on a small hill or mound. The name is most prevalent in Germany, Switzerland, and other Germanic-speaking regions, where it has been used for centuries. Variations of the surname include Nohl, Noel, and Neull. It is also possible that some families with this surname may have migrated to other parts of Europe or the world, carrying their name with them. Today, the surname Noll can be found in many countries around the globe, reflecting its long history and wide dissemination.

Geographical distribution of the last name Noll

The last name Noll is predominantly found in Germany and Switzerland, where it originates from. In Germany, it is most common in Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Bavaria. In Switzerland, it is particularly prevalent in the German-speaking cantons such as Aargau, Zurich, and Thurgau. The name also has a presence in neighboring Austria, where it is concentrated in Burgenland, Carinthia, and Lower Austria. Beyond Europe, there are significant populations of people with the surname Noll in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America, particularly in areas with historical German immigration such as Pennsylvania and Texas in the U.S., Ontario in Canada, Victoria in Australia, and Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Noll

The surname Noll has several variations and spellings worldwide, stemming from different languages and regions. In English, the spelling can be simply "Noll," but there are also variants such as "Noel," "Nöll," "Noell," and "Nohl."

The name "Noel" is of French origin and means "Christmas," while "Nöll" may have a Germanic root, with the "ö" indicating a long "o" sound. "Noell" might be an Anglicized version of these names, while "Nohl" could be a distinct German surname that shares similarities with Noll.

In addition to these variations, the name Noll can also be found in its original form in other languages, such as Dutch (Noll), Swedish (Noll), and Danish (Noll). These variations often reflect regional pronunciation differences or linguistic changes over time. It is essential to understand that the spelling of a surname may change based on factors like language, migration, and cultural influences throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Noll

Prominent individuals sharing the surname Noll include:

1. Dieter Noll (born 1942), a German mathematician and computer scientist known for his work in numerical analysis, computational mechanics, and the finite element method. He is a fellow of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics and the European Mathematical Society.

2. Edith Noll (1906-1985), an American anthropologist who specialized in archaeology and cultural geography. She spent over three decades working in Mexico, contributing significantly to our understanding of Pre-Columbian civilizations.

3. Frank Noll (born 1942), a retired American professional soccer player who played as a defender for several Major League Soccer clubs from the league's founding in 1967 until his retirement in 1980. He is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

4. Gisela Noll (born 1953), a German philosopher and psychotherapist who specializes in psychoanalysis and cognitive psychology. She has published numerous books and articles on these subjects, including "Cognitive-Constructivist Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice" (2004).

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact in mathematics, archaeology, sports, philosophy, and psychotherapy.

Genealogical research on the last name Noll

The surname Noll is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "nol," meaning knoll or small hill. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Conradus de Nulen, mentioned in documents from the city of Nuremberg in 1269. Over time, variations such as Nohl, Noel, and Noell emerged due to spelling inconsistencies and regional dialects. The family expanded across Germany, with significant populations found in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony. Emigration patterns during the 19th and 20th centuries led to a dispersal of Noll descendants to North America, particularly the United States and Canada. Notable individuals bearing the name include artist Gustav Noll, who was active in the Düsseldorf school, and Frank Noll, a Major League Baseball player for the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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