Colt first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Colt has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Colt

Young male horse or foal.

Popularity of Colt by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Colt is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Colt being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 1,224 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Colt.

YearMale CountFemale Count
20241,2240
20231,2980
20221,4570
20211,7330
20201,6820
20191,8320
20181,6240
20171,3320
20161,0320
20151,0180
20149780
20139740
20129570
20119530
20109440
20098210
20085020
20074280
20062120
20051860
20041430
20031570
20021950
20011900
20001970
19991940
19982100
19972420
19962460
19952360
19942540
19932360
19922260
19912010
19901740
19891670
19881950
19872660
19862240
19852705
19842730
19833516
19823440
1981200
198070
1979200
197890
1977160
1976130
1975150

The history of the first name Colt

The name Colt has its origins in Old English, derived from the word "colt," which means a young male horse. This name's history can be traced back to Anglo-Saxon England, where it was likely used as a nickname or descriptor before becoming a formal given name.

Colt's association with horses and equestrian culture is evident in its etymology. In medieval times, the name was sometimes used to refer to young, spirited individuals, drawing a parallel between their energetic nature and that of a young horse.

One of the earliest recorded uses of Colt as a given name can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership in England completed in 1086 AD. This historical document mentions a landowner named Colt, indicating the name's usage during the Norman period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Colt. One of the most famous was Samuel Colt (1814-1862), the American inventor and industrialist who revolutionized firearms with his design of the Colt revolver. His innovations played a significant role in the expansion of the American West.

Another prominent figure was Colt Kipling (1892-1919), a Canadian fighter pilot and Victoria Cross recipient during World War I. He was recognized for his exceptional bravery and skill in aerial combat against German forces.

In the realm of sports, Colt McCoy (born 1986) is a former NFL quarterback who played for several teams, including the Cleveland Browns and the Washington Redskins (now known as the Commanders).

Literature also features individuals with the name Colt, such as Colt Seavers, a fictional character from the popular Western novel series "The Lonesome Dove" by Larry McMurtry.

Colt Cabana (born 1980) is a notable professional wrestler and podcaster, known for his work in independent wrestling promotions and his long-running podcast, "The Art of Wrestling."

While the name Colt has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, its equestrian origins and connections to notable figures across various fields have contributed to its enduring presence and unique character.

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 Colt was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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