Declining since 2016, #5,208 for boys today.
Popularity of Coulson since 1995
Babies named Coulson per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 27 |
| 2000s | 77 |
| 2010s | 235 |
| 2020s | 139 |
Meaning & origin
Coulson first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1995 and gained traction in the 2010s, reaching its peak rank of 5,208 in 2015. Since 2016, its usage has been falling. The name's rise may be linked to the character Phil Coulson from Marvel's 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.', which debuted in 2013. Though not among the most common names, its stylistic similarity to other surname names like Hudson and Carter keeps it in circulation. As of 2025, about 1 in 94,893 baby boys receive the name, a modest but steady presence reflecting modern naming trends that favor occupational and patronymic surnames.
Coulson is an English surname turned given name. It likely derives from the Middle English personal name 'Col' (a short form of Nicholas) or from 'col' meaning 'coal' or 'dark-haired', combined with 'son'. As a given name, it emerged in the late 20th century, following the trend of using surnames as first names. Its use increased in the 2010s, partly due to the character Phil Coulson from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Col, Sonny
Sibling names for Coulson
Names that share Coulson's style, for a brother or sister.
