Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Colleen has Irish origins, deriving from the word 'cailín,' meaning 'girl' or 'young woman.' It has evolved from the Irish language into English use, embodying traits of affection and femininity. The name does not have biblical relevance but has gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly among those with Irish backgrounds. Colleen is perceived positively in modern society, associated with charm and cultural significance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/kɒlˈiːn/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Colleen is derived from the Irish word 'cailín,' which means 'girl' or 'young woman.' It reflects the affectionate and endearing nature of the term used in the Irish language.
Meaning
girl, young woman
Language Evolution
Cailín (Irish), Colleen (English adaptation)
Historical Usage
Colleen gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, especially among those with Irish heritage, as it was embraced as a term of endearment.
Variants & Derivatives
Cailín, Collie
Modern Popularity & Image
Colleen is often viewed as a charming and feminine name, evoking images of Irish culture and heritage. It remains a popular choice among parents who wish to honor their Irish roots.
Famous People
Colleen Moore (American actress), Colleen McCullough (Australian author), Colleen Dewhurst (Canadian-American actress)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 4,558 peak births in 1964
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Montana
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (22 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 22 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7162nd of 7545 | 6 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 5372nd of 6773 | 17 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3943rd of 7552 | 73 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3365th of 10718 | 148 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6911th of 16616 | 80 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 22675th of 24088 | 6 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 423rd of 9107 | 4,399 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 241st of 9204 | 13,891 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 126th of 12526 | 64,469 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 123rd of 19264 | 44,178 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 172nd of 27321 | 27,738 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 645th of 35406 | 6,921 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2090th of 30306 | 1,103 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
67.60% 3511th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
21.05% 298th/1416 |
37.93% 523rd/1379 |
21.05% 498th/2366 |
19.18% 219th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
10.16% 157th/1546 |
19.15% 298th/1556 |
15.98% 376th/2353 |
7.82% 121st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
4.58% 102nd/2227 |
3.99% 97th/2430 |
9.99% 285th/2853 |
3.28% 91st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
3.88% 114th/2937 |
1.84% 64th/3483 |
8.58% 302nd/3518 |
3.61% 146th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
4.12% 152nd/3685 |
1.97% 88th/4475 |
5.95% 309th/5194 |
4.53% 286th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
11.57% 530th/4582 |
6.04% 312th/5164 |
12.58% 920th/7313 |
15.34% 1145th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
40.94% 1631st/3984 |
43.37% 1946th/4487 |
39.52% 2696th/6822 |
40.82% 2562nd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Montana across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7162nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5372nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3943rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3365th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6911th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 22675th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 423rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 241st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 126th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 123rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 172nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 645th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2090th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.