Declining since 2010, #965 for boys today.
Popularity of Colten since 1978
Babies named Colten per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 558 |
| 1990s | 3,736 |
| 2000s | 4,934 |
| 2010s | 5,528 |
| 2020s | 1,597 |
Meaning & origin
Colten is a modern American given name that emerged in the late 1970s, first recorded in 1978. It is a variant of Colton, an English surname derived from place names meaning 'Cola's town' or 'coal town.' The name gained traction during the rise of surname-style first names in the United States. Colten reached its peak popularity in 2011, and as of 2025 it ranked 965th nationally, with about 1 in 7,177 newborn boys receiving the name. Since 2010, its usage has been steadily declining. Geographically, Colten is most common in Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan. Common nicknames include Cole and Colt, reflecting its casual, Western-influenced feel. Though not a historically significant name, Colten fits a pattern of surnames-as-first-names that continues to appeal to American parents seeking distinctive yet familiar choices.
Colten is a variant of the English surname Colton, which derives from a place name meaning 'Cola's town' (from the Old English personal name Cola + tūn) or 'coal town' (from Old English col). Historically, Colton was a place name in Staffordshire and other counties. Colten became a given name in the late 20th century, following the trend of using surnames as first names, especially in the United States.
Where Colten 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
Sibling names for Colten
Names that share Colten's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Colten
Names whose popularity has moved with Colten's over the last 50 years.
