NotreDame

NotreDame, often written Notre-Dame, is a toponym and institutional name derived from the French for “Our Lady” (Notre = Our; Dame = Lady). It is used for various Catholic churches, cathedrals, colleges, and universities, reflecting devotion to the Virgin Mary. The best-known references are described below, with other uses existing across North America and beyond.

Notre-Dame de Paris is a medieval Catholic cathedral located on the Île de la Cité in Paris, France. Construction began in the 12th century and continued into the 14th, producing a landmark example of French Gothic architecture featuring flying buttresses, rib vaults, and extensive sculpture. The cathedral has long been a symbol of French heritage and religious history. It suffered a major fire in 2019 and has been the focus of ongoing restoration and conservation work.

The University of Notre Dame, commonly referred to as Notre Dame or ND, is a private Catholic research university in Notre Dame, Indiana, United States. Founded in 1842 by the Congregation of Holy Cross, it combines undergraduate education with significant graduate and professional programs across fields such as engineering, science, humanities, and business. The campus includes notable features like the Golden Dome and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and it maintains a prominent athletic program competing in NCAA Division I.

Other colleges, universities, and religious sites bear the Notre Dame name, reflecting Catholic traditions of dedicating institutions to Our Lady. The term is widely recognized in French-speaking contexts and in international Catholic institutions.