Home › Baby Names Directory › Coleman

Coleman

♂ Boy

Pronounced KOHL-man /ˈkoʊl.mən/Low

Meaning: Dove keeper; follower of Saint ColumbaLow

In 30 seconds: Coleman has two origins: as an Irish name meaning dove or follower of Columba (from the Latin Columba meaning dove), and as an English surname for a charcoal seller. Both traditions give it earthy, natural heritage.
💕 Browse more names
Origin LowIrish, English
MeaningDove keeper; follower of Saint Columba
U.S. rank (2024)#1279 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births153 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1997
Total births (all-time)≈ 17,451

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199718802024

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

History & Origin

Coleman derives from the Irish Colmán, a diminutive of Colm (from Latin Columba meaning dove) or from Old English col (charcoal) and man. Saint Colmán was a 6th-century Irish monk. As a surname it became associated with coal merchants.

Coleman has a warm, earthy quality in the United States and is associated with the Coleman Company (camping equipment). It has a friendly, accessible sound with deep Irish heritage.

Did you know? Saint Colman was one of the most prolific saints in Irish history — there are over 300 saints named Colman/Coleman in Irish martyrology, making this one of the most saint-borne names in the entire Catholic tradition.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Coleman

Variations

ColmanColemannCallman

Nicknames

ColeColy

Famous Bearers

  • ★Saint Colman of Lindisfarne (c. 605-676)
    Irish bishop of Lindisfarne who led the Celtic party at the Synod of Whitby

If you like Coleman…

Callum— Irish/Scottish dove name with same Columba root
Brennan— Irish surname name of same tradition
Cullen— Irish surname name of same heritage
Declan— Irish saint name of same tradition

Frequently Asked

What does Coleman mean?

Coleman means dove keeper or follower of Columba in Irish, from Colm (dove). In English it also meant charcoal seller.

Is Coleman an Irish name?

Yes, Coleman derives from the Irish Colmán and is borne by over 300 Irish saints in martyrology.

How do you pronounce Coleman?

Coleman is pronounced KOHL-man with two syllables.

What names are similar to Coleman?

Similar Irish names include Callum, Brennan, and Declan.