Declining since 1985, #2,822 for girls today.
Popularity of Colleen since 1901
Babies named Colleen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 72 |
| 1910s | 413 |
| 1920s | 6,080 |
| 1930s | 7,428 |
| 1940s | 10,473 |
| 1950s | 35,913 |
| 1960s | 40,673 |
| 1970s | 23,759 |
| 1980s | 19,468 |
| 1990s | 12,927 |
| 2000s | 3,881 |
| 2010s | 1,274 |
| 2020s | 393 |
Meaning & origin
Colleen, derived from the Irish word 'cailín' meaning 'girl', emerged as a given name in the early 20th century and saw its peak popularity in the United States in the 1960s. In 1964, it reached its highest rank, reflecting its widespread appeal during that era. Since 1985, its usage has steadily declined, and in 2025 it ranked 2,822, with approximately 1 in 26,788 girls receiving the name. The name was most popular in states like Illinois, California, and Texas, where Irish heritage often influences naming trends. Despite its decline, Colleen remains a recognizable and distinctly Irish name.
Colleen is an Anglicized form of the Irish word 'cailín', meaning 'girl'. It originated as a nickname or descriptive term in Ireland and was adopted as a given name in the English-speaking world in the early 20th century. The name became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century, particularly during the 1960s.
Where Colleen is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Colleen” around the world
Where Colleen lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Col, Collie, Lee
Sibling names for Colleen
Names that share Colleen's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Bridget, Katherine, Megan, Erin, Sheila, Bridgette, Charlene, Doreen, Kathleen, Kelli, Maureen, Rochelle, Shauna, Sheena, Arleen, Arlene, Bridgett, Brigette, Carlene, Cathleen, Catrina, Deanne, Eryn, Ilene, Janeen, Janine, Joleen, Keri, Kerri, Laureen, Lynette, Noreen, Shannan, Sharyn, Cassey, Colene, Coreen, Deneen, Diedre, Eilene, Francene, Jacquelyne, Jeanene, Kareen, Karleen, Kathaleen, Kathlene, Kathlyn, Korinne, Kristeen, Lorretta, Louanne, Sharleen, Shavonne, Sheilah, Shela, Shonna, Tresa, Brigett, Cathlene, Chevonne, Correne, Dawnmarie, Daylene, Denine, Doreene, Dorlene, Eileene, Gayleen, Genene, Genine, Gerianne, Ileene, Jeaneen, Jenean, Jeneane, Jeneen, Jodell, Katheleen, Kathleene, Kathyleen, Kelliann, Keriann, Kerianne, Kerriann, Lynnell, Maurene, Meegan, Michelene, Shawnette, Sheilia, Sheilla, Shelagh, Cathaleen, Cathlyn, Cathryne, Cherlynn, Davene, Dorraine, Genee, Ileane, Illene, Jeaninne, Joeleen, Julane, Justeen, Kaitlinn, Karinne, Katelan, Kathalene, Katherleen, Kathline, Kathlynn, Katleen, Kerilyn, Kerryann, Koreen, Loletha, Lujean, Lynnett, Michaeleen, Michaelene, Moreen, Pegeen, Raejean, Ralene, Shannin, Sharonne, Briggette, Correen, Denece, Nellene, Shavonn, Bridgitt, Brigetta, Caitlinn, Cathlin, Colinda, Daleen, Deidrea, Floreen, Geanine, Geneen, Jillayne, Jilleen, Jolleen, Joreen, Kateleen, Katheen, Kathelene, Kathleena, Kerrilyn, Lauriann, Leanette, Lurleen, Marypat, Noreene, Pauleen, Tracyann
Brothers: Patrick, Kevin, Sean, Brian, Ryan, Brenden, Devin, Kenneth, Neal, Donell, Donnell, Brendon, Dwaine, Dwane, Kerwin, Channon, Deonne, Derrin, Dewain, Duaine, Shawne, Cevin, Shonn, Dorin, Duanne, Yarnell
Names like Colleen
Names whose popularity has moved with Colleen's over the last 50 years.
