early 15c., “information, knowledge, intelligence,” from Old French notece (14c.), and directly from Latin notitia “a being known, celebrity, fame, knowledge,” from notus “known,” past participle of (g)noscere “come to know, to get to know, get acquainted (with),” from PIE *gno-sko-, a suffixed form of PIE root *gno- “to know.”
Sense of “formal statement conveying information or warning” is attested from 1590s. Meaning “heed, regard, cognizance” (as in take notice) is from 1590s. Meaning “a sign giving information” is from 1805. Meaning “written remarks or comments” especially on a new book or play is by 1835.