Cole Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationKOHL / /koʊl/English; Latin
Meaning
English: swarthy; Latin: victory
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Cole has its roots in Old English, derived from the word "cola," which means "charcoal" or "swarthy." This term is believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic *kula, which also relates to the Old Norse word "koli," meaning "coal." The name evolved through various forms, including the Old English "Cola," before being adopted into Middle English as "Cole." It was later incorporated into the modern English lexicon, where it has been used both as a surname and a given name.
Historically, the name Cole has been associated with several notable figures. In the medieval period, it was not uncommon for individuals to be named after their occupations or physical characteristics, which is likely how Cole became a common name. The name appears in various historical texts, and its use can be traced back to the 12th century in England. Additionally, the name has biblical connections, as it is sometimes linked to the Hebrew name "Kole," which means "whole" or "sound." This connection may have contributed to its acceptance in Christian communities, particularly during the Middle Ages when biblical names were favored.
Culturally, the name Cole has resonated through literature and folklore, often symbolizing strength and resilience, akin to the enduring nature of charcoal as a source of heat and energy. The name has been used in various literary works and has been associated with characters that embody these traits. Diminutive forms such as "Col" have emerged, but the name Cole itself has maintained its significance over the centuries. Its associations with warmth and strength have helped it endure as a recognizable name throughout history.
Trend Summary
Cole has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Coal
- Col
International Variants
- Noé (French)
- Nicolás (Spanish)
Famous people named Cole
Cole Sprouse is an actor best known for The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Riverdale, and Five Feet Apart.
Cole Porter was a composer and songwriter best known for Anything Goes, Kiss Me, Kate, and Night and Day.
Cole Hauser is an actor best known for Good Will Hunting, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and Yellowstone.
Cole Beasley is a professional football player best known for his time with the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills.
Cole Anthony is a professional basketball player best known for playing with the Orlando Magic and North Carolina Tar Heels.
Fictional characters named Cole
Cole Turner is a fictional character from the TV series Charmed. He is a half-demon who becomes a significant love interest for one of the main characters, Phoebe Halliwell.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Cole was first seen in the United States in 1886. Cole has ranked as high as #115 nationally, which occurred in 2002, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Cole has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Cole (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
PA | 187 | |
NY | 156 | |
CA | 141 | |
TX | 127 | |
FL | 106 | |
OH | 93 | |
IL | 87 | |
MA | 86 | |
NC | 75 | |
MI | 74 | |
VA | 57 | |
WI | 57 | |
CT | 56 | |
MO | 51 | |
TN | 44 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1886 | 6 |
1899 | 5 |
1900 | 6 |
1907 | 5 |
1909 | 5 |
1910 | 6 |
1911 | 10 |
1912 | 23 |
1913 | 19 |
1914 | 23 |
1915 | 26 |
1916 | 25 |
1917 | 19 |
1918 | 17 |
1919 | 22 |
1920 | 10 |
1921 | 19 |
1922 | 18 |
1923 | 21 |
1924 | 16 |
1925 | 18 |
1926 | 16 |
1927 | 10 |
1928 | 15 |
1929 | 13 |
1930 | 11 |
1931 | 16 |
1932 | 18 |
1933 | 10 |
1934 | 18 |
1935 | 9 |
1936 | 14 |
1937 | 12 |
1938 | 12 |
1939 | 7 |
1940 | 10 |
1941 | 22 |
1942 | 28 |
1943 | 22 |
1944 | 12 |
1945 | 8 |
1946 | 18 |
1947 | 34 |
1948 | 40 |
1949 | 30 |
1950 | 28 |
1951 | 50 |
1952 | 43 |
1953 | 40 |
1954 | 64 |
1955 | 62 |
1956 | 61 |
1957 | 73 |
1958 | 72 |
1959 | 69 |
1960 | 72 |
1961 | 98 |
1962 | 83 |
1963 | 63 |
1964 | 64 |
1965 | 68 |
1966 | 50 |
1967 | 53 |
1968 | 69 |
1969 | 83 |
1970 | 99 |
1971 | 99 |
1972 | 139 |
1973 | 159 |
1974 | 181 |
1975 | 158 |
1976 | 144 |
1977 | 157 |
1978 | 149 |
1979 | 158 |
1980 | 272 |
1981 | 299 |
1982 | 806 |
1983 | 1,112 |
1984 | 1,163 |
1985 | 1,185 |
1986 | 1,070 |
1987 | 1,003 |
1988 | 903 |
1989 | 909 |
1990 | 1,099 |
1991 | 1,979 |
1992 | 2,312 |
1993 | 2,665 |
1994 | 3,301 |
1995 | 3,149 |
1996 | 3,737 |
1997 | 5,159 |
1998 | 5,148 |
1999 | 5,317 |
2000 | 5,926 |
2001 | 5,739 |
2002 | 6,038 |
2003 | 5,898 |
2004 | 5,648 |
2005 | 5,587 |
2006 | 5,639 |
2007 | 5,703 |
2008 | 5,389 |
2009 | 5,278 |
2010 | 4,590 |
2011 | 4,140 |
2012 | 3,779 |
2013 | 3,453 |
2014 | 3,426 |
2015 | 3,499 |
2016 | 3,603 |
2017 | 3,467 |
2018 | 3,347 |
2019 | 3,091 |
2020 | 2,768 |
2021 | 2,834 |
2022 | 2,625 |
2023 | 2,363 |
2024 | 2,219 |