Cools /ˈkoːls/ is a Dutch patronymic surname meaning "son of Cool", Cool being an archaic nickname for Nicholas. The name is particularly prominent in the Belgian province of Antwerp. People with the surname include:
Alexander Cools ( 1941–2013), Dutch behavioral pharmacologistAndré Cools (1927–1991), Belgian socialist politicianAnne Cools (born 1943), Canadian social workerJens Cools (born 1990), Belgian football playerJulien Cools (born 1947), Belgian football playerReginaldus Cools (1618–1706), Flemish Catholic bishopSamantha Cools (born 1986), Canadian cyclist