Girl · 731st of 19,264
Coleen
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
11,998
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1959
Peak Popularity Year
423
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Coleen stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Coleen is an Irish name meaning 'girl' or 'young woman', originating from the term 'cailín'. It evolved from its Irish roots into its anglicized form, becoming popular in English-speaking countries during the 20th century. The name carries a feminine charm and is often associated with Irish culture. There are no direct biblical references to the name, and it has variants like Cailín and Colleen. Notable individuals with this name include Coleen Rooney and Coleen Nolan.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/koʊˈliːn/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Coleen is derived from the Irish term 'cailín', which means 'girl' or 'young woman'. It is often used in a poetic context to refer to a young lady.
Meaning
girl, young woman
Language Evolution
Cailín (Irish), Coleen (Anglicized form)
Historical Usage
The name Coleen became popular in the United States and other English-speaking countries in the 20th century, influenced by the romanticization of Irish culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Cailín, Colleen, Colly
Modern Popularity & Image
Coleen is often perceived as a charming and feminine name, associated with Irish heritage and culture.
Famous People
Coleen Rooney, English television personality and model, Coleen Nolan, English singer and television presenter
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 423 peak births in 1959
Geographic Spread
Popular across 43 US states, with strongest presence in Iowa
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 22 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 7 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2045th of 9107 | 312 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 888th of 9204 | 1,213 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 527th of 12526 | 5,974 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 731st of 19264 | 3,263 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2031st of 27321 | 975 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 8006th of 35406 | 219 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 16778th of 30306 | 42 |