Cole

Boys

Best rank #82 (2009) · ranked in 4 years

First charting in 2008, Cole peaked at #82 in 2009.

It eased from #85 in 2008 to #94 in 2011.

It does not appear in the top ranks in the most recent data (2025).

5,278 newborns received the name Cole in 2009, its peak year.

Cole was most popular around 2009, making it characteristic of the 2000s generation.

Rank by year

11020200820102011
  1. 2011944,140
  2. 2010904,590
  3. 2009825,278
  4. 2008855,389

Similar names

If Cole is on your shortlist, Charlotte, Christopher, Christian are worth a look too, given the similar sound and comparable popularity trends.

Where Cole is most popular

In 2025, Cole was recorded in 47 of the 51 US jurisdictions the SSA reports on, with 1,995 births nationwide.

The largest share came from New York at 161 births, 8.1% of the national total, where it ranked #202 that year.

By census region the name skews South, which accounts for 31.8% of Cole births, against 27.8% Northeast, 22.3% Midwest, 18.1% West.

State rankings spread more than the national figure suggests: Cole placed as high as #112 in New Hampshire and as low as #863 in Georgia.

The 4 jurisdictions without a figure are not zeros. SSA withholds any name with fewer than 5 occurrences in a given state and year to protect privacy.

Top states, 2025

  1. 1New York161 · #202 there
  2. 2California144 · #500 there
  3. 3Texas135 · #559 there
  4. 4Pennsylvania121 · #185 there
  5. 5Florida103 · #389 there

Share by census region

  • Northeast27.8%
  • Midwest22.3%
  • South31.8%
  • West18.1%

Shares are of this name's national total, not of each state's births. SSA withholds any name under 5 occurrences per state and year. Browse all states

Frequently asked questions

Is Cole a popular name?
Cole reached a best rank of #82 in 2009 and has charted in 4 years.
Where does Cole rank now?
Cole does not appear in the top ranks in the most recent data (2025).
Is Cole a boy or girl name?
It is recorded primarily as a boys' name.
When was Cole most popular?
Cole peaked around 2009.

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Source: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) - Popular Baby Names (national)