Colonel, of Latin origin, is a unisex given name that has been used throughout history. It was derived from the military rank of colonel, which means 'commander' or 'head of army'. In some cultures, Colonel is considered a surname rather than a first name. Despite its original militaristic connotation, Colonel is also sometimes chosen for its unique sound and strong presence.
The name Colonel seems to have been more popular in the early 20th century with a peak in births between 1914 and 1924. There were over 300 births during this decade alone, with the highest year being 1924 at 33 births. However, it appears that its popularity has declined significantly since then, with fewer than 10 births per year from the 1950s onwards, and as low as 5 or fewer in some years between 1964 and 1987.