Find out how popular the first name Colorado has been for the last 33 years (from 1989 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Colorado by gender

Based on the last 33 years of data, Colorado is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Colorado.

The history of the first name Colorado

The name Colorado has its roots in the Spanish language, deriving from the words "color" and "rado," which together translate to "colored" or "reddish." This name's origins can be traced back to the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors explored the region that is now known as the state of Colorado in the United States.

The earliest recorded use of the name Colorado dates back to the 1540s when Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led an expedition through the area. Coronado and his men were impressed by the reddish hue of the region's landscape, particularly the striking red sandstone formations, and referred to it as "El Rio Colorado" or "The Red River."

Over the centuries, the name Colorado has been associated with various historical figures and events. One notable individual was Colorado Tompkins, an American explorer and fur trapper who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was known for his extensive travels throughout the Rocky Mountain region and is credited with being one of the first non-Native Americans to explore parts of present-day Colorado.

Another significant figure was Colorado Sprague (1847-1917), a prominent American lawyer and politician who served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1891 to 1899. He was born in New York and later moved to Massachusetts, where he established a successful legal career before entering politics.

In literature, Colorado was the pen name used by Russian writer Nikolai Stepanovich Leskov (1831-1895), one of the most influential prose writers of the 19th century. He adopted this pseudonym for some of his early works, drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the American West.

Moving into the 20th century, Colorado Lowell (1904-1968) was an American artist known for her abstract expressionist paintings and her involvement in the New York art scene of the 1940s and 1950s. She was part of the influential group of artists known as the "Irascibles," who protested against the policies of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Another notable figure was Colorado Pringwell (1921-2003), a British actor and stage director who had a successful career in both theater and television. He was particularly renowned for his performances in Shakespearean plays and his direction of numerous productions in London's West End.

While the name Colorado may not be as common as other given names, it has a rich history and cultural significance, reflecting the diverse landscapes and experiences of those who have borne this name throughout the centuries.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Colorado was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Colorado, please contact us.

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