Declining since 2004, #343 for boys today.
Popularity of Colin since 1880
Babies named Colin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 46 |
| 1890s | 30 |
| 1900s | 34 |
| 1910s | 267 |
| 1920s | 412 |
| 1930s | 491 |
| 1940s | 1,919 |
| 1950s | 2,459 |
| 1960s | 4,162 |
| 1970s | 7,484 |
| 1980s | 17,672 |
| 1990s | 28,258 |
| 2000s | 39,129 |
| 2010s | 24,715 |
| 2020s | 6,628 |
Meaning & origin
Colin has been consistently used as a given name in the United States since at least 1880, when it first appeared in the Social Security records. It reached its peak popularity in 2004, ranking 86th, but has since declined; as of 2025, it sits at rank 343, with 1 in every 1,798 boys receiving the name. The name has seen its highest frequency in the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. While its fall from the top 100 has been notable, Colin remains a familiar and well-liked choice, particularly among parents drawn to its Irish roots. Its trajectory indicates a continued decline since 2004, but its long history of use suggests it will maintain a steady presence.
Colin is an anglicized form of the Irish name Coileán, derived from the Gaelic word cuileán meaning 'young pup' or 'whelp.' It was introduced to Scotland in the Middle Ages and has also been used as a diminutive of Nicholas. In England, it gained popularity in the 20th century, becoming a well-established given name by the mid-1900s.
Where Colin is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Colin” around the world
Where Colin lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
145
babies in 2024
Ireland
11
babies in 2025
Quebec
46
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Col
Sibling names for Colin
Names that share Colin's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Megan, Erin, Katherine, Nora, Claire, Courtney, Corrine, Ireland, Kayleen, Keily, Lorin, Aubri, Audrie, Barrie, Catlin, Delainey, Jayanna, Kaysie, Keelie, Adrea, Alyn, Correne, Justyne, Keary, Keirstin, Keleigh, Kerissa, Kevina, Kurstin, Lenee, Meighan, Quinlyn, Raelin, Shaleen, Tristina, Cotina, Dalphine, Erinne, Kamela, Kaylina, Loriel, Shaelin, Telena, Tristine, Ilisa, Merin, Cartina, Crislyn, Dailin, Farin, Halynn, Jinelle, Kellina, Kimbria, Sarin, Shawneen, Yarlin
Brothers: Liam, Brendan, Finn, Sean, Owen, Bradford, Davin, Korey, Nevin, Tobin, Koren, Mikell, Shain, Damin, Dillian, Garin, Kedric, Keron, Nygel, Obrian, Stevon, Cully, Nolyn, Quintan, Clavin, Elmin, Elvan, Gaelan, Nivin, Norrin, Revin, Wallen
Names like Colin
Names whose popularity has moved with Colin's over the last 50 years.
