Last Name Colas

The surname Colas is of French origin. It is derived from a variety of sources, including occupational names for someone who worked as a coal miner (colier in Old French), or a nickname for someone with coal-black hair (cole noir in Old French). Additionally, it could also be a regional name for someone from the region of Colombey, France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Colas

The meaning and origin of the last name Colas

The surname Colas is of French origin, derived from a given name which was a diminutive form of Nicolas, a common given name in France. The name Nicolas comes from the Greek Nikolaos, which means "victory of the people." The surname Colas first appeared in Normandy, where it was often associated with knights who fought valiantly during the Crusades in the Middle Ages. Over time, the spelling variations of the name have included Colas, Cole, Coley, and Coleman, reflecting the region-specific pronunciation and transcription of the name during migration. The surname Colas is also found in Italy, where it may have been introduced by Norman invaders or Italian immigrants to France. Today, individuals with the surname Colas can be found worldwide, particularly in France, Italy, England, and America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Colas

The surname Colas is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly France and its overseas territories such as Haiti, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. In France, it is most common in the regions of Brittany, Normandy, and the Loire Valley. Outside France, significant populations with the surname Colas can be found in countries that have historical ties to France, such as Belgium, Canada (particularly Quebec), and various African nations like Senegal and Congo due to French colonial influence. The name may also be encountered in other parts of the world where French immigrants have settled, such as the United States, particularly Louisiana and Florida, which were both influenced by French culture during their colonial periods.

Variants and spellings of the last name Colas

The surname Colas possesses several variations and spelling adaptations across different regions and countries. Some common variants include Coley, Coles, Cola, Colias, Colase, Collaz, Colaze, Colet, Colette, Coulas, and Coulasse. These variations may be due to phonetic changes, cultural influences, or errors during transcription over time. In French-speaking regions, the name is often spelled as Colas, while in English-speaking regions, it is more commonly seen as Coley or Coles. It's important to note that these variations can stem from similar origins but have evolved distinctly based on language, location, and historical context.

Famous people with the last name Colas

Notable individuals bearing the surname Colas include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Colbert de Vermont (1874-1955), a French Canadian painter, known for his landscapes and winter scenes.
2. Jacques-René Hébertot (1880-1940), a French theater and film producer who was active in the 1920s and 1930s.
3. Henri Colas (1925-2006), a French archaeologist, known for his work on the Roman site of Volubilis in Morocco.
4. Philippe Colas (born 1964), a French tennis player who competed in the 1980s and 1990s.
5. Julien Colas (born 1975), a French footballer, who has played for several clubs in France and abroad.
6. Jean-Marc Colas (born 1964), a French businessman, co-founder of the video game company Quantic Dream.
7. Gérard Colas (born 1938), a French economist, known for his work on poverty and economic development in Africa.

Genealogical research on the last name Colas

The surname Colas is of French origin and is derived from the medieval given name Nicholas, which was popular in the Middle Ages due to Saint Nicholas' reputation as a protector and patron of children and sailors. The name Nicholas evolved into Colas during the Late Middle Ages in France, believed to be a diminutive or affectionate form of the original name. The Colas family has been traced back to Normandy, where they were landowners and noblemen during the High Middle Ages. Notable figures with the surname Colas include Jacques-Nicolas Colas (1725-1806), a French botanist who made significant contributions to the study of mycology, and Louis-Charles Colas (1743-1809), a French military officer and politician. The surname has since spread across Europe and the Americas, with various branches and spellings emerging over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Colas"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends