Rising since 1985, #310 for boys today.
Popularity of Colson since 1924
Babies named Colson per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 29 |
| 1990s | 233 |
| 2000s | 951 |
| 2010s | 2,522 |
| 2020s | 5,984 |
Meaning & origin
Colson is a surname-turned-given name that has been climbing steadily since the mid-1980s. First recorded in 1924, it remained rare for decades but began a rising trajectory around 1985, accelerating in the 2000s and 2010s. By 2025 it reached its peak rank of 310, with roughly 1 in 1,554 male births. The name is most common in Wyoming, West Virginia, and Kentucky, reflecting a pattern of popularity in rural and Southern states. Its rise fits a broader trend of patronymic surnames like Jackson, Hudson, and Grayson becoming fashionable first names. Colson's strong, straightforward sound and the familiar nickname Cole contribute to its appeal for modern parents seeking a name with a distinctly American, surname-style feel.
Colson is an English patronymic surname derived from the given names Nicholas or Cole. The name Nicholas comes from the Greek Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people,' while Cole is a medieval diminutive of Nicholas. As a given name, Colson has been in occasional use since the early 20th century, with a notable surge in popularity in recent decades.
Where Colson is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cole, Colt, Sonny
Sibling names for Colson
Names that share Colson's style, for a brother or sister.
