Colin

What does the baby name Colin mean? Learn about what Colin means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Colin - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Colin: C-O-L-I-N, is a 5-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Colin: KOH lin
Meaning of Colin: Victory of the people, diminutive form of nicholas, young cub.
Origin of Colin: The name 'Colin' has its roots in both Gaelic and Old French. The Gaelic name Cailean, from which 'Colin' is derived, was commonly given to young boys as a way to convey their youthful energy and playfulness. In Gaelic culture, dogs were highly valued, and the term 'young pup' or 'whelp' was used as a term of endearment for children. In Old French, 'Colin' was a diminutive form of Nicholas, a name that was popularized by Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children.; American Names; Celebrity Names; Celtic Names; English Names; French Names; Gaelic Names; Greek Names; Irish Names; Scottish Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Colin: Claas; Claes; Claus; Colan; Colas; Cole; Colet; Collin; Colyn; Coulson; Klaas; Lasse; Milek; Nic; Nicanor; Niccolo; Nichol; Nicholas; Nichols; Nick; Nicklas; Nickolaus; Nicky; Nicola; Nicolai; Nicolao; Nikita; Niklaas; Nikodem; Nikola; Nikolai; Nikolos; Nikos; Nilos; Nils
Popularity of Colin: The popularity of the name 'Colin' has fluctuated over time. In the early 20th century, it was a relatively uncommon name. However, it gained popularity in the mid-20th century and reached its peak in the 1980s and 1990s. During this time, 'Colin' was a popular choice for parents looking for a traditional yet modern name for their sons. Since then, its popularity has gradually declined, but it still remains a well-known and widely used name.; Colin currently has 401 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Ayden is slightly more popular than Colin.

Etymology of Colin

The etymology of the name 'Colin' can be traced back to its Gaelic and Old French origins. The Gaelic name Cailean is derived from the word 'cailín', which means 'girl' or 'maiden'. This reflects the playful and youthful connotations of the name. In Old French, 'Colin' is a diminutive form of Nicholas, which is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people'. This connection to victory and triumph adds a layer of strength and resilience to the name 'Colin'.

Cultural Significance of Colin

The name 'Colin' does not have any specific cultural significance, but it is widely used in English-speaking countries. It is a versatile name that can be found across different cultures and backgrounds. Its Gaelic roots give it a connection to Celtic heritage, while its Old French origins reflect its ties to European history. In contemporary culture, the name 'Colin' is often associated with individuals who are kind-hearted, intelligent, and charismatic.