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Coleman Boy

Popularity: #771 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationKOHL-muhn / /ˈkoʊlmən/

Irish; English

Meaning

Irish: 'descendant of the servant of St. Colman'; English: 'dove'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Coleman has its roots in the Old Irish name "Colm," which is derived from the Latin "Columba," meaning "dove." This etymological journey reflects a transition from Latin to early Irish, where the name was associated with peace and gentleness, as the dove is often a symbol of these qualities. The name was later adopted into English, particularly during the medieval period, as names were often anglicized to fit the linguistic patterns of the time. The addition of the suffix "-an" is indicative of a diminutive form, suggesting a familial or affectionate connotation, which is common in Irish naming conventions.

Historically, the name Coleman has been associated with several notable figures. One of the most prominent is Saint Colman, a 7th-century Irish saint who is venerated in various Christian traditions. His legacy contributed to the name's spread across Ireland and into England, particularly during the early medieval period when saints' names were commonly adopted by the populace. Additionally, the name appears in various historical texts and records, including the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which documents the early history of England, further solidifying its presence in the English-speaking world.

Culturally, the name Coleman carries connotations of nobility and virtue, often linked to the qualities of the dove as a symbol of peace. This association has allowed the name to endure through centuries, as it resonates with themes of harmony and goodwill. The name has also been linked to various regional traditions and folklore, particularly in Ireland, where names derived from saints often carry significant cultural weight. The diminutive form "Cole" has also emerged, providing a more informal variant that has been embraced in various contexts. Overall, Coleman reflects a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution, historical significance, and cultural resonance.

Trend Summary

Coleman has seen a moderate level of popularity in the United States, particularly in the late 20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Colman
  • Colm

International Variants

  • Colmán (Irish)
  • Coleman (English)

Famous people named Coleman

Coleman Hawkins was a jazz saxophonist best known for Body and Soul, The Man I Love, and his work with the Jazz at the Philharmonic.

Coleman Francis was a filmmaker best known for The Beast of Yucca Flats, Night Train to Mundo Fine, and The Skydivers.

Fictional characters named Coleman

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Coleman was first seen in the United States in 1880. Coleman has ranked as high as #847 nationally, which occurred in 1997, and has been most popular in Georgia, Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Coleman has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Coleman (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 20
20%
NC 11
11%
AL 10
10%
GA 9
9%
SC 9
9%
CA 6
6%
UT 6
6%
VA 5
5%
KY 5
5%
OK 5
5%
PA 5
5%
AZ 5
5%
FL 5
5%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188012
188116
188218
188312
188414
188517
188611
188718
188817
188912
189015
189116
189221
189320
189414
189512
189618
189725
189819
18999
190026
190119
190217
190328
190428
190521
190615
190724
190821
190938
191040
191136
191269
191375
1914102
1915116
1916120
1917110
1918133
1919130
1920112
1921146
1922112
1923122
1924107
1925126
1926130
1927115
1928108
1929118
1930108
193187
193292
193377
1934116
193573
193693
193780
193890
193981
194088
194186
194268
194395
194485
194572
194694
1947114
1948102
194997
195089
195193
195282
195380
195487
195570
195698
195778
195875
195965
196064
196172
196275
196352
196453
196554
196645
196745
196867
196959
197052
197144
197247
197347
197459
197557
197648
197743
197862
197975
198076
198191
1982123
1983123
1984120
1985140
1986150
1987172
1988137
1989145
1990166
1991195
1992254
1993284
1994303
1995340
1996344
1997421
1998391
1999354
2000388
2001369
2002399
2003368
2004331
2005363
2006347
2007350
2008307
2009276
2010273
2011221
2012256
2013252
2014223
2015251
2016212
2017246
2018208
2019182
2020203
2021175
2022178
2023176
2024153