The nameColin
Colin is a boy's name with two origins: Scottish Gaelic, "young dog", and Old French, a pet form of Nicholas. It is a classic in Britain and Ireland.
- Boy's name
- Gaelic and Old French
- Feast day
Meaning
In Scotland and Ireland, Colin comes from the Gaelic cailean, "young dog, whelp". In England, it was a medieval pet form of Nicholas, "victory of the people".
Origin
Gaelic and Old French. Two origins meet in this name.
History
Colin was popular in Britain in the mid 20th century and reached the American top 90.
Did you know?
- Colin Powell became in 2001 the first African American Secretary of State.
- Colin Firth won the Oscar for Best Actor in 2011 for The King's Speech.
Famous people named Colin
- Colin Firth, actor
- Colin Powell, Secretary of State
- Colin Farrell, actor
- Colin Kaepernick, American football player
Popularity of the name Colin
Colin in the United States
Colin was most popular in the United States in the 2000s, with 39,197 births over the decade, 29% of all recorded babies named Colin. Its rise began around 1969, and it peaked in 2004. Half of all babies named Colin in the United States were born before 2000. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 1,137 births a year on average, against 1,804 in the five years before.
Colin in the United Kingdom
Colin was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 810 births over the decade, 41% of all recorded babies named Colin. Half of all babies named Colin in the United Kingdom were born before 2006, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 30 births a year on average, against 42 in the five years before.
Colin in Ireland
Colin in France
Colin in Belgium
Colin in Switzerland
Colin in Austria
Colin in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Colin
Names from the same generation as Colin, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Colin? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Colin with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Colin side by side with the name of your choice.
Colin in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Colin mean?
In Scotland and Ireland, Colin comes from the Gaelic cailean, "young dog, whelp". In England, it was a medieval pet form of Nicholas, "victory of the people".
What is the origin of the name Colin?
Gaelic and Old French. Two origins meet in this name.
Is Colin a girl's or a boy's name?
Colin is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Colin?
In 2024, Colin was the 334th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 1,035 births.
What are the variants of the name Colin?
Variants and related names of Colin include Nicholas and Nicolas.
What are good sibling names for Colin?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Kyla, Kylie, Faith and Mya for a sister, Jake, Cesar, Donovan and Mario for a brother.
Who are famous people named Colin?
Colin Firth, actor; Colin Powell, Secretary of State; Colin Farrell, actor; Colin Kaepernick, American football player.