Colin
KOH-lihn
Colin has 2 distinct origins.
In Scotland, it is an Anglicized form of Cailean, a Gaelic name possibly derived from a word meaning “whelp” or “young creature.” In England and France, it began as a medieval diminutive of Col, itself a short form of Nicholas.
The Scottish line produced many notable bearers, including several chiefs of Clan Campbell.
What the name Colin means
Colin Campbell, 1st Baron Clyde (1792-1863), led British forces during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and became one of the most celebrated military figures of the Victorian era.
In the US, Colin peaked at No. 85 in 2004, benefiting from a generation of Irish and Scottish names in fashion. The name was further elevated by Colin Powell (1937-2021), the first Black US Secretary of State, who served under George W. Bush.
Since its peak, Colin has declined gradually. By 2024, it ranked No. 334 with 1,035 births, settling into a range that reflects reduced but still steady usage across the country.
The name’s pronunciation varies by region. In American English, it is typically pronounced with a short “o” (rhyming with “pollin”), while some British speakers favor a long “o” (rhyming with “rollin”).
Colin Powell himself used the short-o pronunciation.
Colin remains international in scope. Colin Firth, Colin Farrell, and Colin Jost have kept the name visible in entertainment, ensuring it retains cultural currency even as trendier choices rise.
The dual etymology gives Colin an unusual flexibility. Whether understood as Scottish Gaelic or medieval French in origin, the name carries centuries of use across multiple European traditions.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Colin
Colin - similar names
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity