Boy
Gaelic / Latin
2 syllables
Colin
KOL-in
/ˈkɒl.ɪn/
"The dove" — gentle strength wrapped in Celtic elegance
Colin has two possible origins: the Scottish Gaelic Cailean meaning young creature or pup, or as a diminutive of the Latin Columba meaning dove. Both paths lead to a name of quiet gentleness associated with Scotland and Ireland for centuries. In England it gained popularity as a medieval form of Nicholas. Today Colin is recognizable across the English-speaking world, associated with dignity and understated charm.
Quick Facts
Letters5
SyllablesCol · in
GenderBoy
OriginGaelic / Latin
Root WordCailean / Columba
MeaningDove, young creature
PopularityUncommon
Peak Year1998
Trend
→ Stable
Nicknames
Col
About the Name Colin
Colin likely means dove, from the Latin Columba via a diminutive form, or young creature from the Scottish Gaelic Cailean. Both meanings suggest gentleness and youth.
Colin is strongly associated with Scotland, where it derives from Cailean. It is also used in Ireland and England, and has been an established English name since the Middle Ages.
Colin was popular in the US in the 1990s but has declined somewhat since. It remains recognized and appreciated as a dignified, classic name.
Colin James, Colin Michael, Colin Alexander, and Colin Thomas are all strong and naturally flowing combinations.
Colins are often described as thoughtful, dependable, and quietly confident — the name has a gentleman's dignity without being stuffy.
The most common spelling is Colin. Collin (with double-l) is an American variant. Both are acceptable, though Colin is the traditional and more common spelling.
Personality of Colin
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Colin
Creativity
76%
Elegance
80%
Independence
80%
Intelligence
84%
Strength
74%
Warmth
80%
Famous People Named Colin
C
Colin Firth
Oscar-winning British actor, The King's Speech
C
Colin Powell
American statesman, first African-American US Secretary of State
C
Colin Farrell
Irish actor, known for In Bruges and The Banshees of Inisherin
Middle Names for Colin
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Colin
Colin James
Colin Michael
Colin Alexander
Colin Thomas
Colin Patrick
Colin Andrew
Colin David
Colin William
Colin Henry
Colin Edward
Names Similar to Colin
Similar Sound
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Colin
521 AD
Saint Columba born in Ireland; spreads Christianity across Scotland
1200
Colin appears in Scottish and English records as a given name
1998
Colin at peak US popularity around rank 150
2012
Colin Firth wins Oscar for The King's Speech; name gains renewed prestige
Numerology & Symbolism of Colin
8
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
6
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Gemini
5
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Sky Blue
💎
Lucky Stone
Blue Lace Agate
🌸
Lucky Flower
White Dove Orchid
Colin Around the World
How Colin is written in different languages and scripts
كولين
Arabic
コリン
Japanese
Колин
Russian
콜린
Korean
科林
Chinese
Κόλιν
Greek
कोलिन
Hindi
קוֹלִין
Hebrew
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