Colten

“From the dark town”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#924US 2023

249Births / yr

→Stable

15.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 197800.04% of births at peak

How to pronounce Colten

kol-tən

/kol-tən/ · · 2 syllables

“From the dark town”

American origin · Boy name

What does Colten mean and where does it come from?

Colten is a modern English name, often considered a variant of Colton. The name derives from the Old English words 'col' meaning 'dark' and 'tun' meaning 'town' or 'settlement.' It gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century and is often used in contemporary naming practices.

Cultural significance

Colten has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the dark town.

Peak popularity

Reached #386 in 2011 — currently #924 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Colten?

Colten works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Colten Grace

How popular is Colten right now?

Holding steady — currently #924 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2023#924 · Top 0.68%

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#924	249	▼ down 1
2022	#923	250	▼ down 72 · -9% births
2021	#851	276	▼ down 95 · -13% births
2020	#756	316	▼ down 204 · -39% births
2015	#552	518	▼ down 163 · -29% births
2010	#389	729	▲ up 187 · +80% births
2005	#576	404	▼ down 43 · -2% births
2000	#533	411	▼ down 11 · +9% births
1995	#522	377	▲ up 99 · +42% births
1990	#621	266	▲ up 1548 · +923% births
1985	#2169	26	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Colten

Best Year2010Rank #389

Peak Count729

Average Rank#801

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1985 - 202311 years

The story of Colten

Colten is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1978. A total of 15,055 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2169 in 1985 to #924 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Colten in 2011:

Jacob Mason William Jayden Noah

Colten by decade

Colten peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	5
1980s	558
1990s	3,736
2000s	4,933
2010s ★	5,507
2020s	316

What are good nicknames for Colten?

Common

ColCoOlten

What names sound and feel like Colten?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Colten also consider these

Collen

American · Victory, strong-minded

American · derived from 'Colton',

American · Derived from 'Costin',

Corren

American · Spear

How is Colten written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Colten

What does the name Colten mean?

Colten means "From the dark town" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Colten?

Colten is currently ranked #924 as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Colten?

Colten originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Colten a common or rare name?

Colten is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Colten?

Colten naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.