The baby name Collin has a deep history and meaning. It’s mostly for boys and comes from Irish and Scottish roots. This name means youth and victory, making it loved by many parents.
There are two main theories about where Collin comes from. Some say it’s from the Greek word for “victory of the people.” Others think it’s from Gaelic, meaning “pup” or “cub.” This makes the name Collin very interesting.
In recent years, Collin has become more popular again. It was at its highest in 1996, at No. 115. Its mix of old and new makes it a favorite for baby boys.
Key Takeaways
- Collin is primarily a masculine name with Irish origins
- The name means “young warrior” or “victory”
- It peaked in popularity in the U.S. during the late 1990s
- Collin has two possible etymological roots: Greek and Gaelic
- The name remains a popular choice for its blend of tradition and modernity
Etymology and Historical Roots of Collin
The name Collin comes from a mix of languages. It has changed over time, touching many cultures.
Old French Origins
Collin comes from Old French. It’s a short form of Nicolas. This shows its European roots and history.
Connection to Nicolas
Collin is linked to Nicolas. Nicolas means “victory of the people.” This gives Collin a sense of victory and community.
Gaelic and Scottish Influences
In Gaelic, Collin means “cub” or “high.” The Campbell clan in Scotland named Colin after Sir Colin Campbell. This made it a Celtic name. In Ireland, Collin was a surname of the Lords of Connello.
| Language | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Old French | Colle | Shortened form of Nicolas |
| Gaelic | Caileán / Coll | Cub / High |
| Irish | Surname | Associated with Lords of Connello |
The name Collin has seen ups and downs in popularity. In the U.S., it was at 115th in 1996 with 3,358 births. By 2022, it was 473rd with 616 births. It’s still a favorite for parents looking for unique Celtic names.
Origin of Baby Name Collin: Meaning and Significance
The collin name has a deep history. It comes from Greek and Gaelic roots. It means “Victory of the people” or “pup,” showing strength and youth.
Interpretation as “Young Creature” or “Dove”
In Gaelic, Collin means “young creature” or “dove.” This adds to its meaning. It shows life and peace.
Symbolism of Youth and Peace
Collin stands for youth and peace. It’s a favorite for parents wanting a positive name. It also means “high” or “chieftain” in Scottish, showing leadership.
The name was most popular in the late 1990s. It was ranked No. 115 in 1996. Though it’s not as popular now, it’s still loved. In 2021, it ranked 420th with 697 births.
Evolution of the Name Collin Through Time
The name Collin has changed in popularity over time. It started to be popular in the late 20th century. It comes from Gaelic and English, making it rich in culture.
In the United States, Collin was most popular in 1996. That year, 3,358 babies were named Collin. This was a big increase from before.
Baby name trends show Collin’s ups and downs. From 1980 to 2004, it grew a lot. It went from 1,197 to 5,122 occurrences per million babies. But after 2004, it started to fall. By 2020, it ranked 17,733 in the U.S.
Globally, Collin has made its mark. In Ireland, it’s a common surname, especially in County Limerick and Cork. The name has been adopted in many ways around the world.
| Year | Rank in U.S. | Babies Named Collin |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Highest Ranking | Data Not Available |
| 1996 | Peak Popularity | 3,358 |
| 2020 | 17,733 | Data Not Available |
The name Collin keeps changing, thanks to famous people and stories. Its mix of old and new makes it loved worldwide.
Cultural Impact and Notable Bearers of the Name
The name Collin has made a big splash in culture. It’s seen in sports and entertainment. It’s loved all over the world.
Historical Figures Named Collin
Sir Colin Campbell fought in the Wars of Scottish Independence. He showed great courage and patriotism. This made the name Collin famous for bravery.
Contemporary Famous Collins
Today, many famous people bear the name Collin:
- Collin Morikawa: A top golfer with many wins
- Collin Sexton: An NBA star known for his scoring
- Collin Chou: A talented actor and martial artist from Taiwan
Fictional Characters Named Collin
Collin also appears in stories and movies:
| Character | Work | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Collin Fenwick | The Grass Harp by Truman Capote | The story’s narrator |
| Colin Creevey | Harry Potter series | A Gryffindor student and Harry’s fan |
| Colin Singleton | An Abundance of Katherines | The main character in John Green’s book |
These characters have made the name Collin well-known. They appear in books, movies, and TV. From Truman Capote’s narrator to Colin Creevey in Harry Potter, they’ve shaped how we see the name Collin.
Conclusion
Choosing the baby name Collin is a mix of history and modern charm. It has been loved for a long time. In the early 1970s, it was very popular.
In 1970, Collin was the 317th most popular name with 581 births. By 2021, it was the 269th most popular with 1,265 births.
Collin’s popularity has changed over the years. But it’s still a favorite today. It has roots from the 13th century and was once a top name in Scotland.
Now, Collin is still loved, ranking 30th in Scotland in 2022. It’s not just for humans. Collin is also a popular name for dogs, like Labradors and Border Collies.
This shows Collin’s charm and simplicity. It’s a great choice for a child or a pet. Collin’s timeless quality and deep meaning make it special.
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