Cole
KOHL
A short, sturdy name that likely began as a surname or nickname rather than a traditional first name.
Meaning
Cole is most often understood as a surname-derived given name from the Old English root for "coal," used historically as a nickname for someone dark-haired, dark-complexioned, or otherwise associated with charcoal. In some cases it may also come from medieval pet forms of names such as Nicholas or from place- and family-names, so its exact origin can vary by line of use.
Origin
EnglishOld Englishmasculine
Fun fact
The excerpt appears to mention "Old King Cole," but that is part of a different name history than the modern given name Cole.
Confidence: mixed. Sources: History of Christian Names.