Cole
Cole first appears in US records in 1886. It peaked in 2002, when 6,038 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 2,003.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Cole popular?
Declining Cole is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2002 peak.
| 2020s | 14,823 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 36,401 | |
| 2000s | 56,846 | |
| 1990s | 33,868 | |
| 1980s | 8,722 | |
| 1970s | 1,444 | |
| 1960s | 703 | |
| 1950s | 562 | |
| 1940s | 224 | |
| 1930s | 127 | |
| 1920s | 156 | |
| 1910s | 190 | |
| 1900s | 16 | |
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1880s | 6 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Cole mean?
Partly from Old English 'col' meaning 'coal', used as a nickname for someone of dark or swarthy complexion or black hair. Note: Cole can also be a short form of Nicholas, which is unrelated to 'dark', so the dark sense is one origin among two.
Names like Cole
english names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Cole
Popular english names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Cole
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cole mean?
Cole means coal, swarthy, dark. Partly from Old English 'col' meaning 'coal', used as a nickname for someone of dark or swarthy complexion or black hair. Note: Cole can also be a short form of Nicholas, which is unrelated to 'dark', so the dark sense is one origin among two.
What is the origin of the name Cole?
Cole is of english origin.
How do you pronounce Cole?
Cole is pronounced “KOHL.”
Is Cole a boy or a girl name?
Cole is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Cole a popular name right now?
Cole is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2002 peak.
How popular is the name Cole?
In 2025, Cole ranked #182 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Cole most popular?
Cole was most popular in 2002, when about 6,038 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Cole?
Names similar to Cole include Bennett, Weston, Randall, Cooper, Everett.
What names go well with Cole?
english names that pair well with Cole include Dorothy, Nancy, Edward, Joan, Mason.