Collin

Meaning & origin

Collin is a boy's name with strong Irish roots, derived from Cailean meaning 'whelp' or 'young dog'. It has been in recorded use in the United States since at least 1895. The name saw a significant rise in popularity, peaking at rank 114 in 1996, making it a familiar choice for boys born during the 1990s. Since 1997, however, its usage has been falling; in 2025 it ranked 493, with a 1-in-2,786 frequency. The name has historically been most popular in states like Maine, Kentucky, and Louisiana. While occasionally used as a variant of Colin, the spelling Collin is distinct and has its own trajectory. Parents today often pair Collin with other Irish or classic names for siblings, such as Sean, Ryan, or Erin.

Collin is most commonly an Anglicized form of the Irish name Cailean, which itself is derived from the Old Irish word 'caile' meaning 'whelp' or 'young dog'. The name was historically used as a nickname for an energetic or youthful person. It may also be a variant of Colin, which itself can be a diminutive of Nicholas, meaning 'victory of the people', though the Irish derivation is more widely accepted for the spelling Collin. In medieval England, the name was often used as a short form of Nicholas.