Cole
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Swarthy; Charcoal
Background: The name Cole originates from the Middle English 'cole,' which means 'coal' or 'charcoal.' This term is derived from the Old French 'cole' and ultimately traces back to the Latin 'carbonem,' meaning 'charcoal.' The name is also commonly interpreted as referring to a swarthy or dark complexion.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#226
Total births
152,615
Most popular decade
2000s
(171,036 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-47 ranks)
Years in Top 100
15
First recorded year
1886
Gender usage
99.6% male
0.4% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1886
- First year births
- 6
- First year rank
- #845
- Peak year
- 2002
- Peak year births
- 6,038
- Peak rank
- #69
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 2,219
- Recent rank
- #162
Female
- First year
- 1980
- First year births
- 6
- First year rank
- #9,096
- Peak year
- 2006
- Peak year births
- 32
- Peak rank
- #4,462
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 5
- Recent rank
- #15,243
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).