Every time I meet someone new and the obligatory introductions are made, I have to explain my name. It’s spelled N-O-E-L-L-E. No, it’s not pronounced “Noel-lee.” Silent “E” at the end. Yes, it’s a real name, French in origin. “Noelle” is the feminine version of “Noel.” Yes, it’s a real name, damnit.
(I’m just thankful that in person there’s no doubt I’m not a man. Getting form letters that address me as “Mr.” or “Sir” because they’ve guessed my sex by my name is very, very annoying.)
I used to wish I was called something else. I had no idea what other name I wanted, but the only qualification was that it wouldn’t be as strange as my real name. Because my first name was so short nobody could manufacture a nickname from it, I remained “Noelle.” I began to think I could use my second first name, which is “Frances,” when I started college. Then I realized I have a younger cousin named Frances and I didn’t want to be confused with her. So, “Noelle” stuck.
Now I realize that my name has helped me define who I am. I’m different from a Sarah or a Jenny or a Michelle (not that there’s anything wrong with having those names). I love that I’m the only one called that among my acquaintances; when my friends mention “Noelle” I’m the one they’re talking about. Search for “Noelle” on Google and I’m in the first few pages of results; in fact, everything I’ve done on the Internet is associated with this name.
Over time I have become my name; I think I’m as unique and idiosyncratic as it is. When someone recently suggested I could use my second first name, I scoffed at the idea almost immediately and realized how important my name has become to me.
I still have to go the long way about introducing myself these days. I’ve even taken to wearing a gold necklace with my name on it, just to make spelling it out less tedious. But now, I realize taking the trouble with my name is worth it. It’s my name, and don’t you forget it. Ü
In My Pocket 
Well dear Sir, it’s nice to see that you like your name!Oh, you’re a girl. Dammit!” I’ve even taken to wearing a gold necklace with my name on it”OMG you got blingbling!
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It’s like Gabrielle being addressed as a male. Meron akong friend na ganun. Naiinis din siya.By the way, this is Jam. And I am a girl, by the way. Just saying so because I also get comments on my lyrics site addressing me as ‘kuya.’
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haha diba most of the time if the name sounds like a guy’s name but ends with “e” it’s a girl’s? like noelle, gabrielle,justine, etc…people still get confused??”noel-ee”.haha.that’s funny.anyway i really think you have a gorgeous name.very French!luv pronoucing the the 2nd syllable, the “elle” part.
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Alessandra: I think you underestimate how dense Filipinos can be when confronted with a name like mine. 😀 I even get phone calls looking for “Sir Noelle.”Jam: Your name can be used by both guys and girls and people just immediately assume the masculine. I understand.Ade: You betta respect the bling! :p
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Thanfully my name CAN’T be mistaken for girl’s name. Sucks that it rhymes a lttle to close to waiter though. I end up looking around in restos everytime someone screams WAITER!!! Ok. I have no point. Yeah. I kinda suck like that.
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can you guess my gender? :)- postigo luna
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my brother has the same problem. his name is Rene, which is ok in the Philippines or Latin countries, but in the US, his name is primarily a girl’s name. Noelle’s a nice name. It’s good you’re happy with it. But what if you had an unusual name like Gertrude or Ester or Ingrid? Would you still keep a name like that? 😉
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Adam: Hey, waiter! Hoy, pogi!Postigo: Sounds like a very masculine name. I hope I’m right. In case I’m not, uh… Sorry?Wil: I’m counting my blessings. I don’t even want to think about having those names. Not that there’s anything wrong with them, but I’ve just come to terms with my own. 🙂
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I know! Illuminada is a good name! And who would forget Paraluman?! Oh such sweet names!
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Some people, upon seeing that I’m a guy, still insist in calling me “Danielle.” The emphasis is on the “DAN,” ok folks? :)Oh and Gertrudes is my mom’s real name.
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Steel: If you name your female children that, I will come after you with Kryptonite!
Daniel: Well, I suppose you can blame it on a misunderstanding of how “Daniel” is pronounced. Some people go the Latin route and say “Dan-YEL.”
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