COLE
Cole
Origin and Meaning: The surname Cole is of Old English origin, derived from the personal name "Cola," which was a short form of various compound names with the first element "col," meaning "charcoal" or "coal." This surname likely originated as a nickname for a person with dark hair or a dark complexion.
History: The surname Cole has ancient roots in England, dating back to the time of the Anglo-Saxons. It is believed to have been first used as a personal name before becoming a hereditary surname. In medieval England, individuals bearing the surname Cole were found in various regions across the country, with notable concentrations in Devon, Somerset, and Essex. The name spread to other parts of the British Isles over time.
Variations: Variations of the surname Cole include Coles, Coley, and McCool. These variations arose from phonetic changes and regional dialects over the centuries.
Famous Individuals:
- Nat King Cole (1919–1965): American jazz pianist and vocalist.
- Ashley Cole (b. 1980): English former professional footballer.
- Thomas Cole (1801–1848): American landscape painter associated with the Hudson River School.
Popularity: The surname Cole is a common name in English-speaking countries, with many individuals and families bearing this surname. It has also been adopted as a given name in modern times.
Heraldry: The Cole family crest typically features elements such as a shield with symbols like a black anchor, representing hope, or a gold eagle, symbolizing strength and courage. These heraldic symbols may vary depending on the specific branch of the Cole family.
Significance: The surname Cole carries a sense of tradition and heritage, reflecting the rich history of the British Isles. Its prevalence and longevity indicate the enduring legacy of individuals and families bearing this name throughout the generations.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A dictionary of English surnames.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford dictionary of family names in Britain and Ireland.
There are approximately 53,254 people named Cole in the UK. That makes it the 125th most common surname in Britain. Around 818 in a million people in Britain are named Cole.
Surname type: Nickname
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Call
- Caul
- Chole
- Choles
- Clee
- Cloe
- Coal
- Coale
- Coaley
- Coall
- Coalley
- Coals
- Coel
- Cohl
- Cohley
- Col
- Cola
- Colah
- Colay
- Colb
- Cold
- Colea
- Colee
- Colen
- Coler
- Coles
- Colet
- Coley
- Colf
- Coli
- Colie
- Colies
- Colis
- Coll
- Colla
- Colle
- Colleau
- Collee
- Colley
- Colli
- Collie
- Collieu
- Collo
- Colls
- Collu
- Colly
- Colm
- Colme
- Colmes
- Coln
- Colne
- Colo
- Coloe
- Colow
- Colp
- Colt
- Coly
- Colye
- Cool
- Coole
- Cowl
- Cowlee
- Cowley
- Cowlie
- Cowls
- Cowly
- Coyle
- Gale
- Galea
- Gall
- Gallie
- Gallo
- Gaul
- Gul
- Kalu
- Keal
- Khole
- Koal
- Kohl
- Kole
- Koles
- Koll
- Kyle
- Quail
- Quayle
- Quill
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.