Cole
Cole is an boy name of English origin, meaning “Swarthy, coal-dark; or from Nicholas”.
| Meaning | Swarthy, coal-dark; or from Nicholas |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | English |
| Pronunciation | KOHL |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United States, Canada, Australia |
Meaning and origin of Cole
Cole comes from an English surname with two likely sources: the Old English col, coal, used as a nickname for someone with dark hair or skin, and a medieval short form of Nicholas. The nursery-rhyme figure Old King Cole and songwriter Cole Porter helped keep it familiar. It became a popular first name in the United States from the 1980s onward.
Is Cole a religious name?
Cole has no direct religious meaning, although its medieval use as a short form of Nicholas links it loosely to St Nicholas.
How popular is Cole?
A steady choice in North America for several decades.
Gifts with the name Cole
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Spellings and variants of Cole
Names similar to Cole
More boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cole mean?
Cole means 'Swarthy, coal-dark; or from Nicholas'. It is of English origin.
Does Cole have a religious meaning?
Cole has no direct religious meaning, although its medieval use as a short form of Nicholas links it loosely to St Nicholas.
How do you pronounce Cole?
Cole is pronounced KOHL.
Is Cole a boy or girl name?
Cole is usually a boy name.