Coley

♂ Boy

Pronounced KOH-lee /ˈko.li/High

Meaning: Variously from the Old English, 'the coal/charcoal clearing' (col, 'coal', + leah, 'a meadow') and a short form of Cole/Nicholas; used for both sexes; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: From the coal clearing; a short form of Cole: Coley. Crisp, classic, and warm. Used for both sexes; routes layered.

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningVariously from the Old English, 'the coal/charcoal clearing' (col, 'coal', + leah, 'a meadow') and a short form of Cole/Nicholas; used for both sexes; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#10063 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1993

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,021

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Coley comes variously from the Old English, 'the coal/charcoal clearing' (col, 'coal', + leah, 'a meadow') and a short form of Cole/Nicholas; used for both sexes (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, classic name (here for a boy; slug distinguished; said 'KOH-lee').

In the U.S. it appears as a surname/short-form name. Rare, from-the-coal-clearing at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Coley is variously 'the coal/charcoal clearing' (Old English) and a short form of Cole/Nicholas — a crisp, friendly name, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'KOH-lee').

Overall data confidence 24%

References — Coley — English; unisex; routes layered

Variations

ColeColbyColy

Nicknames

Cole

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Coley…

Cole— a source name

Colby— a fellow Col- boys' name

Coby— a companion Co- boys' name

Brody— a sound-adjacent -ody boys' name

Explore names like Coley

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Coley mean?

Coley is variously 'the coal/charcoal clearing' (Old English) and a short form of Cole/Nicholas; used for both sexes; here for a boy. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Coley?

It's said KOH-lee /ˈko.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Coley a boy or girl name?

Coley is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Coley?

Coley is a very rare name in the U.S.