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Home › Baby Names Directory › Cole

Cole

♂ Boy

Pronounced KOHL /koʊl/High

Meaning: Swarthy, coal-black — from Old English col (charcoal), used as a byname for someone with dark featuresHigh

In 30 seconds: Short, strong, and instantly memorable, Cole comes from Old English 'coal' and was a medieval byname for dark-complexioned men. Today it is a sleek one-syllable choice projecting confidence.
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Origin HighOld English, Medieval English
MeaningSwarthy, coal-black — from Old English col (charcoal), used as a byname for someone with dark features
U.S. rank (2025)#182 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births2,003 boys (0.12% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2002
Total births (all-time)≈ 154,072

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200218862025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cole derives from the Old English word col, meaning 'charcoal' or 'coal.' In the medieval period it was used as a byname or nickname for someone with dark hair or a swarthy complexion. It subsequently became a surname, then a given name. Cole may also function as a short form of the Greek-origin name Nicholas (via the medieval pet form Col-).

Cole has been used as a given name in the United States since at least the 19th century, but its modern popularity as a standalone given name rose strongly from the 1990s onward. Its single syllable and strong sound fit the American preference for concise, masculine names. Famous bearers include composer Cole Porter and country singer Cole Swindell.

Did you know? Old King Cole — 'a merry old soul' — of the famous nursery rhyme has been traced to various historical figures, including the legendary British king Coel Hen, who ruled northern Britain in the late 4th or early 5th century.

Variations

Kole

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

  • ★Cole Porter (1891–1964)
    American composer and songwriter, one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century.

If you like Cole…

Blake— one-syllable surname-name with the same clean, confident energy
Chase— another punchy one-syllable surname-name popular with similar audiences
Rhett— short, strong American surname-name with a slightly literary edge
Chad— lands in the same popularity range
Caine— lands in the same popularity range

Frequently Asked

What does the name Cole mean?

Cole comes from Old English col meaning 'charcoal' or 'coal,' originally a byname for someone with dark features.

How do you pronounce Cole?

Cole is pronounced KOHL /koʊl/ — one syllable.

Is Cole a boy or girl name?

Cole is used primarily as a boys' name.

How popular is Cole?

Cole has been a consistent U.S. top-100 boys' name since the late 1990s.

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