Coco

Meaning & origin

Coco entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1972, but its real ascent began in 1992, steadily climbing the ranks. By 2020 it reached its peak year so far, though it still remains a relatively uncommon choice, with a current 1-in-20,606 occurrence rate. The name is especially favored in Hawaii, Minnesota, and California, reflecting its playful, island-inspired appeal. While often associated with the famous designer Coco Chanel, its use as a given name is a modern phenomenon, part of a broader trend toward short, vowel-ending names. Coco's trajectory suggests continued growth, particularly among parents seeking a spirited, unconventional name for their daughters.

Coco emerged as a given name in the late 20th century, originally used as a nickname for names like Corinne or Jacqueline, or as a standalone name inspired by the cocoa bean or the French term of endearment 'coco' meaning 'little darling' or 'coconut' in some contexts. It gained visibility through cultural figures like designer Coco Chanel (born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel), though the name's use as a legal given name is a modern phenomenon. Its rise in popularity since the 1990s reflects the trend of short, stylish, and gender-neutral names.