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Home › Baby Names Directory › Coley

Coley

♀ Girl

Pronounced KOH-lee /ˈkoʊ.li/High

Meaning: An English surname — 'the coal/charcoal clearing' (from col + leah); also a short form of Nicole/Cole; used for both sexes; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: The coal clearing; a short form of Nicole: Coley. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes.
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Origin LowEnglish
MeaningAn English surname — 'the coal/charcoal clearing' (from col + leah); also a short form of Nicole/Cole; used for both sexes; routes layered
U.S. rank (2024)#9034 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births11 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2008
Total births (all-time)≈ 340

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200819762024

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 is an English surname — 'the coal/charcoal clearing' (from col + leah); also a short form of Nicole/Cole (routes layered, which we note). Used for both sexes, here for a girl (slug distinguished; said 'KOH-lee').

In the U.S. it appears as a modern short/surname name for both sexes. Rare, the-coal-clearing at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Coley is an English surname, 'the coal/charcoal clearing' (col + leah), and also a short form of Nicole/Cole — a crisp name, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'KOH-lee').
Overall data confidence 28%
References — Coley — surname/nickname; unisex; routes layered

Variations

ColieColeighColy

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Coley…

Cole— a source name
Nicole— a source name
Brinley— a sound-neighbor -ley girls' name
Oakley— a fellow -ley girls' name

Explore names like Coley

By themeuncertainenglishunisexsurname-namenickname-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Coley mean?

Coley is an English surname 'the coal clearing' and a short form of Nicole/Cole; used for both sexes; here for a girl. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Coley?

It's said KOH-lee /ko.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 girl's name.

How popular is Coley?

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

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