What does Collin mean and where does it come from?
Collin is a feminine variation of 'Colin', which has its roots in Irish Gaelic. Originally, it means 'young cub' or 'young one'. While predominantly masculine, it has seen increased use as a female name in recent times, especially in modern English-speaking societies as names become more gender-neut
Cultural significance
Collin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #4480 in 1985 — currently #487 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Collin?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Collin?
Collin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Collin Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Collin Rose
Floral · soft ending
Collin Mae
Sweet · timeless
Collin Claire
French influence · crisp
Collin Jane
Literary · strong
Collin Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Collin right now?
Declining — down 12 spots — currently #487 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #487 | 614 | ▼ down 12 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #475 | 648 | ▼ down 52 · -11% births |
| 2021 | #423 | 729 | ▲ up 10612 · +9013% births |
| 2020 | #11035 | 8 | ▼ down 2574 · -38% births |
| 2015 | #8461 | 13 | ▲ up 8599 · +160% births |
| 2010 | #17060 | 5 | ▼ down 5186 · -37% births |
| 2005 | #11874 | 8 | ▼ down 1968 · -11% births |
| 2000 | #9906 | 9 | ▼ down 308 · +13% births |
| 1995 | #9598 | 8 | ▼ down 1661 · -20% births |
| 1990 | #7937 | 10 | ▼ down 3457 · -41% births |
| 1985 | #4480 | 17 | ▲ up 1892 · +70% births |
| 1980 | #6372 | 10 | ▲ up 1710 · +67% births |
| 1975 | #8082 | 6 | ▲ up 35 · +20% births |
| 1970 | #8117 | 5 | ▼ down 1469 |
| 1965 | #6648 | 5 | — |
The story of Collin
Collin is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1962. A total of 78,634 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6648 in 1965 to #487 in 2023. Collin is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Collin in 1985:
Collin by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 14 | |
| 1910s | 119 | |
| 1920s | 191 | |
| 1930s | 149 | |
| 1940s | 405 | |
| 1950s | 488 | |
| 1960s | 884 | |
| 1970s | 2,067 | |
| 1980s | 6,250 | |
| 1990s | 23,852 | |
| 2000s ★ | 27,900 | |
| 2010s | 15,669 | |
| 2020s | 641 | |
What are good nicknames for Collin?
What names sound and feel like Collin?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Collin also consider these
How is Collin written in other languages?
Gender variants of Collin
Common questions about the name Collin
What does the name Collin mean?
Collin means "Irish" — a name rooted in English 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 Collin?
Collin is currently ranked #487 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Collin?
Collin originates from English tradition. English 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 Collin?
Collin is a two-syllable name pronounced K AA1 L IH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Collin more of a girl or boy name?
Collin is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.