Colt

♂ Boy

Pronounced KOHLT /koʊlt/High

Meaning: A young male horse; a spirited, energetic young manHigh

In 30 seconds: A lean, powerful word-name meaning 'young horse.' Colt is the quintessential American masculine one-syllable name — fast, free, and full of frontier energy, equally at home on a ranch and a sports field.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighEnglish

MeaningA young male horse; a spirited, energetic young man

U.S. rank (2025)#285 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births1,188 boys (0.06% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2019

Total births (all-time)≈ 27,861

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Colt is an Old English word for a young male horse, from colt (also used for a young, spirited person). As a given name it fits the long tradition of animal-power names in American culture, alongside names like Buck, Chase, and Hunter. Colt also gained fame as the surname of firearms inventor Samuel Colt.

As a given name, Colt gained traction in the late 20th century in the American South and West, appealing to parents who wanted a strong, brief name with rugged western character. It entered the U.S. top 400 for boys and fits naturally with Colton, Colter, and other Col- names.

Did you know? Samuel Colt (1814–1862) invented the Colt revolver and the concept of interchangeable parts in manufacturing — making his surname one of the most recognisable in American industrial history.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Colt — etymology notesU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ColtonColter

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

★Samuel Colt (1814–1862)
American inventor and industrialist, inventor of the Colt revolver and pioneer of interchangeable manufacturing.

If you like Colt…

Colter— one-step elaboration of the same colt root with the same frontier energy

Colton— two-syllable elaboration sharing the colt root and western spirit

Cash— single-syllable American word-name with the same bold, direct country cool

Wyatt— western surname name with the same frontier-American rugged confidence

Frequently Asked

What does the name Colt mean?

Colt is an Old English word meaning 'a young male horse,' used as a name to evoke speed, spirit, and energy.

How do you pronounce Colt?

It is said KOHLT /koʊlt/ — one syllable.

Is Colt a boy or girl name?

Colt is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Colt?

Colt has held a position in the U.S. top 400 for boys in recent years.