Kohl

♂ Boy

Pronounced KOHL /ˈkoʊl/High

Meaning: A spelling of Cole — from the Old English, 'swarthy; coal-black' (a nickname for a dark-haired person); also a German surname, 'cabbage'; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Swarthy; coal-black: Kohl spells Cole. Crisp, modern, and warm.

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningA spelling of Cole — from the Old English, 'swarthy; coal-black' (a nickname for a dark-haired person); also a German surname, 'cabbage'; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#5507 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births17 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2001

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,759

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

Kohl is a spelling of Cole — from the Old English, 'swarthy; coal-black' (a nickname for a dark-haired person); it is also a German surname, 'cabbage' (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, modern name (said 'KOHL').

In the U.S. it appears as a spelling of Cole. Rare in this form, coal-black at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Cole comes from the Old English, 'swarthy; coal-black' (a nickname for a dark-haired person) — Kohl is a spelling (also a German surname, 'cabbage'), crisp and modern (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'KOHL').

Overall data confidence 34%

References — Cole — routes layered

Variations

ColeKolKoul

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Kohl…

Cole— the standard spelling

Kole— a kin spelling

Kash— another English name

Kase— lands in the same popularity range

Kace— shares Kohl's English roots

Explore names like Kohl

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kohl mean?

Kohl spells Cole — English 'swarthy; coal-black'; also a German surname; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Kohl?

It's said KOHL /ˈkoʊl/ — one syllable.

Is Kohl a boy or girl name?

Kohl is a boy's name.

How popular is Kohl?

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