Coley is an unusual and unique given name of English origin. It is a variant spelling of the name Cole, which itself is derived from the Old English word 'col', meaning 'charcoal' or 'swarthy'. The name Cole has been in use for centuries and was traditionally given to boys with dark hair or complexion. However, the name Coley is less common and has no specific association with appearance.
The name Coley first appeared in English records during the late Middle Ages. It is believed to have been brought to England by Norman settlers after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Normans were a group of Viking invaders who came from Northern France, and they introduced many new names into English culture.
Throughout history, the name Coley has been associated with various notable individuals. One example is Coley O'Brien, an American baseball player who played professionally in the Major League during the 1940s. However, despite its historical roots and association with notable figures, the name Coley remains relatively uncommon today.
In terms of its popularity as a given name, Coley has never been among the most commonly used names in English-speaking countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, only 14 boys were named Coley between 2001 and 2020. This rarity can be seen as an advantage for those who wish to give their child a distinctive name that is not likely to be shared with many others.
In conclusion, Coley is an English given name of Old English origin, meaning 'charcoal' or 'swarthy'. It was introduced to England by Norman settlers and has been associated with notable individuals throughout history. Despite its historical roots, the name remains relatively uncommon today, making it a unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
The name Coley has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1881 and 2023, there have been a total of 2014 births with the name Coley.
Looking at the statistics year by year, we can observe several fluctuations. The highest number of births with the name Coley occurred in 1971, with 26 newborns. This was followed by another peak in 1993, with 37 births.
However, there are also periods where the name's popularity significantly decreased. For instance, between 1958 and 1964, there were less than 10 births per year with the name Coley each year. Similarly, from 2004 onwards, the number of annual births with this name has consistently been under 20.
Despite these fluctuations, it's clear that Coley remains a unique and recognizable name, with a consistent presence in the US birth records over more than a century.