Coulson Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KOL-sun //ˈkoʊlsən//
Origin: English; French
Meaning: from the dark town (English); victory (French)
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Coulson is of English origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name "Kollr," which means "swarthy" or "dark-haired." The name evolved through various linguistic stages, starting from Old Norse to Middle English, where it was influenced by the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. The suffix "-son" indicates a patronymic origin, meaning "son of"; thus, Coulson essentially means "son of Kollr." This formation is typical in English surnames, particularly those derived from Norse roots, reflecting the historical interactions between the Norse settlers and the Anglo-Saxon population in England.
Historically, the name Coulson appears in various records from the medieval period. Notable mentions can be traced back to the 13th century, where it is found in English documents as a surname.
The name gained further recognition through its association with various families and individuals throughout English history, particularly in the northern regions where Norse influence was more pronounced. The surname was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 and later appeared in various legal and ecclesiastical documents, indicating its established presence in English society.
Culturally, Coulson carries connotations of heritage and lineage, embodying the tradition of naming practices that honor familial connections. The name has been associated with various historical figures and local leaders, contributing to its resonance in English culture.
Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Coul" may have emerged in informal contexts, reflecting the affectionate or familiar use of the name. Overall, Coulson encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural significance, rooted in the historical interplay of language and identity in England.
Famous people named Coulson
In this section, you will find notable people named Coulson. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Coulson who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Coulson who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Coulson Whitehead is an author best known for The Underground Railroad, The Nickel Boys, and Zone One.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Coulson, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Coulson was first seen in the United States in 1995.
Coulson has ranked as high as #1346 nationally, which occurred in 2015, and has been most popular in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
In the past 5 years the name Coulson has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Coulson is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Coulson was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Coulson (2022)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| PA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Coulson.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2019 | 26 |
| 2018 | 41 |
| 2017 | 30 |
| 2016 | 39 |
| 2015 | 48 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2010 | 5 |
| 2009 | 12 |
| 2008 | 9 |
| 2007 | 8 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2005 | 7 |
| 2004 | 6 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2001 | 8 |
| 2000 | 6 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1997 | 9 |
| 1996 | 8 |
| 1995 | 5 |