The baby name Colt has become more popular recently. After ranking 534th in 2008, it jumped 164 spots to reach 370th in 2009.
Why?
A CNBC reporter says the reason is former University of Texas quarterback Daniel “Colt” McCoy.
In fact, the rise of the name mirrors McCoy’s career. Not bad considering the name was barely cracking the top 1000 when McCoy arrived on national scene four years ago.
It’s a very good theory. Colt did indeed enter the top 1,000 in 2005 — the year that McCoy began playing college football.
But…let’s not forget two things.
First, Colt wasn’t a top-1,000 virgin in 2005. It had been in the top 1,000 from 1982 all the way to 2002 — over two decades. This original run was sparked by Colt Seavers, a character played by Lee Majors on the television series The Fall Guy (1981-1986).
Second, there’s the influence of Colton. It first cracked the top 1,000 in 1982 as well (again thanks to Colt Seavers). Unlike Colt, though, Colton became more popular as time went on. So now, a few decades later, the still-trendy sound of Colton may be paving the way for the re-introduction of Colt.
And now a question for you: In terms of college football-related baby names, which do you like better, Colt or Crimson?
Source: Rovell, Darren. “Parents Naming More Kids Colt.” CNBC Sports 11 May 2010.
Interesting! There’s also Colton Shore, a character on General Hospital, but he was only on from 1988 through 1991, so that doesn’t explain Colton’s origins.
Between Colt and Crimson? Wow, that’s tough. But I have a hard time not adding “45” to the end of Colt, so i guess I’d go with Crimson!
Here’s some usage data for Colt…