Cole
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Swarthy, coal-black, victorious people
Origin: Old English/Greek
Popularity: Ranked #182 in 2025 with 2,003 babies born.
History: Cole may derive from the Old English 'col,' meaning coal or dark, or as a short form of Nicholas. It has been used as a surname and given name in England for centuries. Associated with jazz legend Nat King Cole, it became popular as a given name in the late 20th century.
Famous people named Cole: Cole Sprouse (actor), Nat King Cole (singer), Cole Porter (composer)
Name length: 4 letters
How common is Cole? About 1 in 1,657 babies born in 2025 were named Cole, or roughly 5.5 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Cole
What does the name Cole mean?
Cole means “Swarthy, coal-black, victorious people” from Old English/Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Cole?
Cole has Old English/Greek origin. The traditional meaning is “Swarthy, coal-black, victorious people”.
How popular is Cole?
Cole ranked #182 in 2025 — given to 2,003 babies that year.
When was Cole most popular?
Cole peaked in 2002 with 6,038 babies registered that year.
Is Cole a boy or girl name?
Cole is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Coles in registered births are male.
Is the name Cole rising or falling in popularity?
Cole has risen 9502 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #9684 in 2020 to #182 in 2025.
How long has Cole been recorded?
Cole appears in birth records across 121 years — from 1886 through 2025.