Swarthy, coal-black, or son of Nicholas
Colesen is a modern patronymic variant likely derived from the English surname Cole, meaning 'coal-black' or 'swarthy'. It is also frequently used as a creative elaboration of Colton or a variant of the Scandinavian name Colson, which means 'son of Cole'. In some contexts, it is linked back to the Greek name Nicholas, meaning 'victory of the people'.
Less common today
Colesen isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #5,838 in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
