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 pharmacologist
André Cools (1927–1991), Belgian socialist politician
Anne Cools (born 1943), Canadian social worker
Jens Cools (born 1990), Belgian football player
Julien Cools (born 1947), Belgian football player
Reginaldus Cools (1618–1706), Flemish Catholic bishop
Samantha Cools (born 1986), Canadian cyclist
