Rising since 2006, #241 for girls today.
Popularity of Collins since 1881
Babies named Collins per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 40 |
| 1890s | 0 | 40 |
| 1900s | 0 | 100 |
| 1910s | 0 | 280 |
| 1920s | 0 | 329 |
| 1930s | 0 | 245 |
| 1940s | 0 | 284 |
| 1950s | 0 | 297 |
| 1960s | 0 | 195 |
| 1970s | 0 | 182 |
| 1980s | 18 | 278 |
| 1990s | 0 | 287 |
| 2000s | 25 | 301 |
| 2010s | 3,858 | 514 |
| 2020s | 6,878 | 314 |
Meaning & origin
Collins is a surname-name that has found new life as a first name for girls in the United States. First recorded as a given name in 1982, it has climbed steadily in popularity, reaching rank 241 in 2025, with approximately 1 in 1,250 baby girls receiving it. Its peak year to date is 2025, and it has been on a consistent upward trajectory since 2006. The name is most popular in North Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska. Its Irish heritage and melodic, straightforward sound align with modern naming trends that favor surname-style names, often with a traditional edge. The name Collins evokes a sense of strength and approachability, blending a classic surname feel with contemporary popularity.
Collins originated as an Irish patronymic surname from the Gaelic Ó Coileáin, meaning 'descendant of Coileán', where Coileán means 'whelp' or 'young dog'. It was anglicized as Collins and adopted as a given name in the United States, particularly in the late 20th century, influenced by the popularity of surname-names for girls. Its rise as a first name aligns with the trend of using Irish surnames as unisex given names.
Where Collins 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Collie, Coco, Linny
Sibling names for Collins
Names that share Collins's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Sutton, Blair, Quinn, Piper, Reese, Lennon, Oakley, Bexley, Brayleigh, Langley, Sayler, Caylor
Brothers: Hudson, Reid, Graham, Miles, Landon, Banks, Benson, Brooks, Cason, Garrison, Gibson, Jameson, Walker, Rockwell, Stevens, Townes, Woodson, Asbury, Bradey, Callaway, Eastin, Hutton, Neyland, Peterson, Crosley, Dansby, Huntington, Redding, Bankston, Bosten, Grainger, Grayton, Sutter
Names like Collins
Names whose popularity has moved with Collins's over the last 50 years.
