Coleman

At a Glance

Meaning

Charcoal-burner, or patronymic form of Colman ('dove')

Origin

English (surname, occupational or patronymic)

Gender

Used for both boys and girls

Pronunciation

KOHL-munListen

Coleman is an English surname turned first name, and it carries two possible roots: it may come from "charcoal-burner," an old occupational name, or serve as a patronymic form of Colman, meaning "dove." That mix of a trade-rooted name and a family-name history gives it a practical, no-frills feel. It's worth a look for parents drawn to surname-style names with real occupational or genealogical roots rather than a single storybook meaning.

Meaning & Origin of Coleman

Meaning: Charcoal-burner, or patronymic form of Colman ('dove').

Origin: English (surname, occupational or patronymic).

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Coleman

Popularity of Coleman

SSA records for Coleman stretch back to 1880, and the name actually peaked early, hitting #360 in 1903 with 28 babies given the name that year. By 2024 it had settled much further down the list at #1279, with 153 boys named Coleman.

Names Like Coleman

These names have followed a similar path to Coleman in U.S. popularity over the years.

• Francesco
• Noble
• Odette
• Clifford
• Lucio
• Viola

FAQ

What does the name Coleman mean?

Charcoal-burner, or patronymic form of Colman (‘dove’). (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Coleman?

Coleman is pronounced KOHL-mun (IPA: /ˈkoʊlmən/).

Is Coleman a popular name right now?

Coleman peaked at #360 in 1903 and is ranked #1279 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)

Make Coleman Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Coleman, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.