Cole
Cole is a boys' name of English origin meaning “swarthy, coal-black.” It ranked #182 in the United States in 2025. Derived from the Old English col, referring to charcoal or a dark complexion.
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how do you pronounce Cole?
KOHL
where does the name Cole come from?
From Middle English, meaning swarthy, coal-black or charcoal. The surname has also absorbed unrelated lines: a short form of Nicholas, an Irish or Scottish anglicization of McCool, and American spellings of the German Kohl and Kool.
It also functions as a short form of Nicholas or Coleman.
how popular is this name?
Cole has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 74 years since 1886, and fell outside it for 66. It peaked at #69 in 2002, and ranked #182 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #182 |
| 2024 | #162 |
| 2023 | #155 |
| 2022 | #144 |
| 2021 | #132 |
| 2020 | #133 |
| 2019 | #123 |
| 2018 | #118 |
| 2017 | #116 |
| 2016 | #110 |
| 2010 | #90 |
| 2002 | #69 |
| 2000 | #71 |
| 1990 | #248 |
| 1980 | #516 |
| 1970 | #812 |
| 1960 | #892 |
| 1886 | #845 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Cole fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Cole
Its use as a given name is a modern transfer from the surname.
who are famous people named Cole?
- Cole Porter
- Cole Sprouse
- Cole Hauser
what are the nicknames and variants of Cole?
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Cole?
what names go well with Cole?
Sibling names that share Cole's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Cole
What does the name Cole mean?
Cole means “swarthy, coal-black”.
What is the origin of the name Cole?
Cole comes from the English naming tradition. Related forms include Colson and Coleman.
How popular is the name Cole?
Cole ranked #182 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2002, at #69, and it has spent 74 years in the top 1,000 since 1886.
Is Cole a boy or girl name?
Cole is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Cole?
Cole is pronounced KOHL, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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