Colt Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: kolt /kəʊlt/
Origin: English; Old French
Meaning: Young horse; from the colt
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Colt has its roots in the Old English word "colt," which referred to a young horse or foal. This term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic *kultaz, which also meant a young horse, and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as the Old Norse "kalt" and the Dutch "veulen." The transition of the term into English occurred during the early medieval period, when Old English was evolving into Middle English, around the 12th century.
The name Colt, therefore, carries a literal meaning associated with youthfulness and vitality, reflecting the characteristics of a young horse. Historically, the name Colt has been used as both a surname and a given name, with notable mentions in various contexts.
In the 19th century, the name gained some prominence in American culture, particularly in the context of the American West, where horses played a significant role in daily life and symbolism. The name is also associated with the Colt revolver, invented by Samuel Colt in the 1830s, which became an iconic symbol of the American frontier and the Wild West.
This association further solidified the name's connection to themes of strength and independence. Culturally, the name Colt evokes imagery of freedom and the untamed spirit of the West, resonating with ideals of adventure and ruggedness.
Its use in literature and media often reflects these themes, reinforcing its symbolic significance. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Cole may also be encountered, though Colt remains distinct in its connotation of youth and vigor.
Overall, the name Colt embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic heritage and cultural associations that have contributed to its enduring presence.
Famous people named Colt
Fictional characters named Colt
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Colt was first seen in the United States in 1957. Colt has ranked as high as #353 nationally, which occurred in 2019, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Colt has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Colt (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 149 | |
| CA | 77 | |
| OH | 70 | |
| FL | 59 | |
| TN | 46 | |
| PA | 45 | |
| MI | 42 | |
| OK | 40 | |
| MO | 39 | |
| WV | 34 | |
| IA | 34 | |
| GA | 33 | |
| IN | 32 | |
| WI | 29 | |
| VA | 28 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1957 | 7 |
| 1958 | 10 |
| 1959 | 8 |
| 1961 | 11 |
| 1962 | 8 |
| 1963 | 10 |
| 1965 | 15 |
| 1966 | 11 |
| 1967 | 6 |
| 1968 | 7 |
| 1969 | 10 |
| 1970 | 8 |
| 1971 | 16 |
| 1972 | 14 |
| 1973 | 13 |
| 1974 | 17 |
| 1975 | 15 |
| 1976 | 13 |
| 1977 | 16 |
| 1978 | 9 |
| 1979 | 20 |
| 1980 | 7 |
| 1981 | 20 |
| 1982 | 344 |
| 1983 | 351 |
| 1984 | 273 |
| 1985 | 270 |
| 1986 | 224 |
| 1987 | 266 |
| 1988 | 195 |
| 1989 | 167 |
| 1990 | 174 |
| 1991 | 201 |
| 1992 | 225 |
| 1993 | 236 |
| 1994 | 254 |
| 1995 | 236 |
| 1996 | 246 |
| 1997 | 242 |
| 1998 | 210 |
| 1999 | 194 |
| 2000 | 197 |
| 2001 | 190 |
| 2002 | 195 |
| 2003 | 157 |
| 2004 | 143 |
| 2005 | 186 |
| 2006 | 212 |
| 2007 | 428 |
| 2008 | 502 |
| 2009 | 821 |
| 2010 | 944 |
| 2011 | 954 |
| 2012 | 958 |
| 2013 | 974 |
| 2014 | 979 |
| 2015 | 1,018 |
| 2016 | 1,033 |
| 2017 | 1,333 |
| 2018 | 1,628 |
| 2019 | 1,833 |
| 2020 | 1,686 |
| 2021 | 1,736 |
| 2022 | 1,461 |
| 2023 | 1,302 |
| 2024 | 1,224 |