Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Coleman

Coleman is the anglicized form of an Old Irish personal name Colmán which itself is a diminutive of Colm or Colum in reference to Saint Columba, a 6th century Irish missionary who is credited with converting Scotland to Christianity. Saint Colm Cille (Columba) is also regarded as one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and an important figure to both the Irish and the Scottish Gaels. The name is still celebrated with top ranking in Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland (although the variations of Calum and Callum are preferred over Colm or Colum today). Coleman is derived from the Gaelic elements “colm” meaning “dove” plus the diminutive suffix “-án” so Colmán basically means “little dove”. Scandinavian settlers in Ireland adopted the name as “Kalman” and later brought it to England. Independently of the Irish connection, Coleman is also the transferred use of an Anglo-Saxon surname derived from an occupation identifying a person whose job it was to burn coal (coal-man) or a servant to a man named Cole (Cole’s man). The English surname dates back to the 12th century. As a forename, Coleman is mainly used in North America and Australia but is still rarely given.

All About the Baby Name – Coleman

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME COLEMAN

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME COLEMAN

Coleman is one of those surnames that dates back over 100 years on the American charts. At the turn of the 20th century, Coleman was used with respectable yet low moderation. Then as the decades progressed into last century, Coleman slowly fell out of style and off the American radar. In fact, he disappeared from the charts altogether for most of the 1960s and 70s. Then this little dove flew back onto the charts in 1981 and perched himself back up to moderate positions again. The 1980s was the decade which really began the surname trend and Coleman came briefly back into fashion. After more pronounced drops in usage since the turn of the 21st century, Coleman is now coming dangerously close to falling off the charts again. Although names like Cole and Colton do well, Coleman is struggling to make it in the competitive world of surnames-turned-first-names.

Quick Facts

ON COLEMAN

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

848

PRONUNCIATION:

KOL-mәn

SIMPLE MEANING:

Little dove; Coal worker

Characteristics

OF COLEMAN

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Coleman

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME COLEMAN

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Coleman

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME COLEMAN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Coleman


Popular Songs

ON COLEMAN

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Coleman


Famous People

NAMED COLEMAN

Coleman Hawkins (prominent jazz saxophonist)
Coleman Young (first African-American mayor of Detroit)

Children of Famous People

NAMED COLEMAN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Coleman

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME COLEMAN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Coleman