Holding steady, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Coal since 1994
Babies named Coal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 68 |
| 2010s | 83 |
| 2020s | 13 |
Meaning & origin
Coal is a modern word name that draws on the familiar English term for the black, carbon-rich fuel. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1994, making it a very recent addition to the naming landscape. The name saw its peak usage in 2016, though even then it remained exceedingly uncommon. In 2025, Coal ranked 9,714th nationally, with a rarity of approximately 1 in every 244,011 male births. The name has shown a stable trajectory in recent years, neither rising sharply nor declining. As a color and material name, Coal fits alongside other earthy, elemental choices, but its connection to mining and fossil fuels gives it a distinctly industrial edge. It has not historically been associated with any particular region or state in the United States, as it has never been concentrated in enough births to register among top state lists. Parents drawn to Coal often appreciate its bold, one-syllable sound and its straightforward, no-nonsense quality. The name remains a niche selection, favored by those seeking something unusual and evocative.
Coal is a modern coinage taken directly from the English word 'coal', which comes from Old English 'col'. It is part of a trend of using common nouns as given names, particularly those with strong or earthy associations. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1994 and saw a modest peak in usage in 2016.
Sibling names for Coal
Names that share Coal's style, for a brother or sister.
