notability n.

mid-14c., "worthy of note, important, praiseworthy," from Old French notable "well-known, notable, remarkable" (13c.), from Latin notabilis "noteworthy, extraordinary," from notare "to mark, note, make a note," from nota "mark, sign, means of recognition" (see note (n.)). Meaning "well-known, prominent, worthy of respect" is from early 15c. The noun meaning "a person of distinction" is recorded by 1815. Related: Notably; notableness.