Noel is simply an old French word for Christmas. The song itself may be quite old, but we can't be sure.
The traditional religious Christmas carol "The First Noel" is generally thought to be English, dating back as early as the 13th century, but more likely being from the 16th century. Some have believed that "The First Noel" was French due to the French spelling of Noel being used instead of the olde English Anglo-Saxon spelling, Nowell. "The First Noel" was first published in 1833 when it appeared in "Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern," a collection of seasonal carols put together by William B. Sandys.
The traditional religious Christmas carol "The First Noel" is generally thought to be English, dating back as early as the 13th century, but more likely being from the 16th century. Some have believed that "The First Noel" was French due to the French spelling of Noel being used instead of the olde English Anglo-Saxon spelling, Nowell. "The First Noel" was first published in 1833 when it appeared in "Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern," a collection of seasonal carols put together by William B. Sandys.
