Declining since 2011.
Popularity of Coltrane since 1997
Babies named Coltrane per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 27 |
| 2000s | 142 |
| 2010s | 140 |
| 2020s | 30 |
Meaning & origin
Coltrane is a modern first name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1997, reflecting the trend of using surnames as given names. Its peak in popularity came in 2012, the same year that marked the end of its upward trajectory; the name has been declining in use since 2011. Although it has never ranked in the top 1,000 names, its association with the legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane has given it a distinctive and artistic appeal. The name's trajectory shows a clear peak followed by a steady decline, suggesting it resonated strongly with a particular generation of parents but has not maintained broad appeal. Given its recency, no top states are reported, and the name remains rare nationwide.
Coltrane is a modern first name derived from the Irish or Scottish surname Coltrane, which itself may be a variant of Coultrane. The surname is thought to originate from the place-name Colstoun in Scotland, or from an Anglicized form of MacCóilín. Its use as a given name surged in the late 20th century, influenced by the iconic jazz musician John Coltrane, but the name's connection to the musician, while widely assumed, is not a formal etymology.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cole, Trane
Sibling names for Coltrane
Names that share Coltrane's style, for a brother or sister.
