Girl · 3113th of 19,264
Kolleen
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
1,016
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1962
Peak Popularity Year
48
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Kolleen stands across generations
This name is not present in the Generation Alpha ranking.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Kolleen has its origins in the Irish word 'cailín', meaning 'girl' or 'young woman'. It evolved from 'Cailín' to its current form in English. The name is often associated with femininity and has gained popularity particularly in the mid-20th century. It does not have biblical relevance, but it carries a strong cultural identity. Variants include Colleen and Kollie.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/kəˈliːn/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
Kolleen is derived from the Irish word 'cailín', which means 'girl' or 'young woman'.
Meaning
girl, young woman
Language Evolution
Cailín (Irish), Kolleen (Anglicized form)
Historical Usage
Kolleen gained popularity in the mid-20th century as a feminine name influenced by Irish culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Cailín, Colleen, Kollie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kolleen is perceived as a charming and feminine name, often associated with Irish heritage.
Famous People
Kolleen McLoughlin, a notable television personality, Kolleen B. Hays, an accomplished author
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 48 peak births in 1962
Geographic Spread
Popular across 6 US states, with strongest presence in Michigan
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 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 4 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2449th of 12526 | 402 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3113th of 19264 | 356 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6048th of 27321 | 211 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 18749th of 35406 | 47 |