What does Coleen mean and where does it come from?
Coleen is derived from the Irish name Caoilinn, which relates to beauty and youth. The name became popular in the United States during the mid-20th century, despite its Irish roots. Notable figures with this name include Coleen Rooney, a prominent English media personality. Variations can include Co
Cultural significance
Coleen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #435 in 1950 — currently #15692 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Coleen?
Coleen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Coleen Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Coleen Rose
Floral · soft ending
Coleen Mae
Sweet · timeless
Coleen Claire
French influence · crisp
Coleen Jane
Literary · strong
Coleen Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Coleen right now?
Falling — down 4769 spots — currently #15692 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #15692 | 5 | ▼ down 4769 · -44% births |
| 2015 | #10923 | 9 | ▲ up 376 |
| 2010 | #11299 | 9 | ▼ down 4127 · -44% births |
| 2005 | #7172 | 16 | ▼ down 1452 · -16% births |
| 2000 | #5720 | 19 | ▼ down 2689 · -50% births |
| 1995 | #3031 | 38 | ▼ down 653 · -27% births |
| 1990 | #2378 | 52 | ▼ down 696 · -25% births |
| 1985 | #1682 | 69 | ▼ down 220 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #1462 | 83 | ▼ down 523 · -39% births |
| 1975 | #939 | 135 | ▼ down 290 · -47% births |
| 1970 | #649 | 253 | ▼ down 131 · -25% births |
| 1965 | #518 | 339 | ▼ down 31 · -16% births |
| 1960 | #487 | 404 | ▲ up 55 · +40% births |
| 1955 | #542 | 289 | ▼ down 107 · -17% births |
| 1950 | #435 | 349 | — |
The story of Coleen
Coleen entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. A total of 11,994 babies have received this name. Once ranked #2439 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #15692 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Coleen in 1950:
Coleen by decade
Coleen peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 60 | |
| 1920s | 357 | |
| 1930s | 731 | |
| 1940s | 1,052 | |
| 1950s | 3,308 | |
| 1960s ★ | 3,568 | |
| 1970s | 1,605 | |
| 1980s | 738 | |
| 1990s | 386 | |
| 2000s | 138 | |
| 2010s | 51 | |
What are good nicknames for Coleen?
Famous people named Coleen
C(
Coleen (Irish poet or writer)
Coleen used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
C(
Coleen (traditional Irish musician)
Coleen passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
C(
Coleen (Celtic chieftain)
Coleen bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
C(
Coleen (Irish saint)
Coleen helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Coleen?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Coleen also consider these
How is Coleen written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Coleen
What does the name Coleen mean?
Coleen means "Irish" — a name rooted in Irish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Coleen?
Coleen is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Coleen?
Coleen originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Coleen a common or rare name?
Coleen is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Coleen?
Coleen naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.