What does Colleen mean and where does it come from?
Colleen is of Irish origin, derived from the Irish word 'cailín,' which means 'girl.' It gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century, especially among Irish-American communities. The name is often used affectionately and symbolizes youth and femininity. Colleen is also a common na
Cultural significance
Colleen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of girl, young woman.
Peak popularity
Reached #93 in 1965 — currently #678 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Colleen?
Colleen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Colleen Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Colleen Rose
Floral · soft ending
Colleen Mae
Sweet · timeless
Colleen Claire
French influence · crisp
Colleen Jane
Literary · strong
Colleen Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Colleen right now?
Holding steady — currently #678 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #678 | 1,522 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #683 | 1,502 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #688 | 1,472 | ▲ up 1950 · +2237% births |
| 2020 | #2638 | 63 | ▼ down 827 · -45% births |
| 2015 | #1811 | 115 | ▼ down 613 · -43% births |
| 2010 | #1198 | 202 | ▼ down 423 · -41% births |
| 2005 | #775 | 340 | ▼ down 320 · -44% births |
| 2000 | #455 | 609 | ▼ down 231 · -52% births |
| 1995 | #224 | 1,256 | ▼ down 64 · -31% births |
| 1990 | #160 | 1,808 | ▼ down 10 · -7% births |
| 1985 | #150 | 1,952 | ▼ down 13 · -8% births |
| 1980 | #137 | 2,125 | ▼ down 4 · +1% births |
| 1975 | #133 | 2,100 | ▼ down 17 · -37% births |
| 1970 | #116 | 3,328 | ▼ down 23 · -17% births |
| 1965 | #93 | 4,029 | — |
The story of Colleen
Colleen entered American naming records in 1901 and has been in use for over 123 years. Its peak popularity was #93 in 1965. More than 162,748 babies have been named Colleen since 1901. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1892 in 1905 to #678 in 2023. Colleen is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Colleen in 1965:
Colleen by decade
Colleen peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 72 | |
| 1910s | 413 | |
| 1920s | 6,086 | |
| 1930s | 7,439 | |
| 1940s | 10,476 | |
| 1950s | 35,943 | |
| 1960s ★ | 40,762 | |
| 1970s | 23,850 | |
| 1980s | 19,559 | |
| 1990s | 12,926 | |
| 2000s | 3,886 | |
| 2010s | 1,273 | |
| 2020s | 63 | |
What are good nicknames for Colleen?
What names sound and feel like Colleen?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Colleen also consider these
How is Colleen written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Colleen
What does the name Colleen mean?
Colleen means "girl, young woman" — a name rooted in American 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 Colleen?
Colleen is currently ranked #678 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Colleen?
Colleen originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Colleen?
Colleen is a two-syllable name pronounced K AA2 L IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Colleen more of a girl or boy name?
Colleen is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.