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Collin

♂ Boy

Pronounced KOL-in /ˈkɒl.ɪn/High

Meaning: Variant spelling of Colin; from Scottish Gaelic 'Cailean' meaning young warrior or pup; also used as a diminutive of Nicholas (from Greek 'nikolaos,' victory of the people) in medieval EnglandHigh

In 30 seconds: Collin is a variant spelling of Colin, the Scottish name meaning 'young warrior.' Clean and approachable, it has been a steady favorite in the United States — simple, strong, and never flashy.
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Origin HighScottish, Irish, Greek
MeaningVariant spelling of Colin; from Scottish Gaelic 'Cailean' meaning young warrior or pup; also used as a diminutive of Nicholas (from Greek 'nikolaos,' victory of the people) in medieval England
U.S. rank (2025)#493 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births613 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1996
Total births (all-time)≈ 81,430

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199618952025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Collin is a variant of Colin, a name with two etymological threads. In Scotland, Colin derives from Gaelic Cailean (young warrior, young pup), a name used by Highland clan chiefs. In England, Colin developed as a medieval diminutive of Nicholas (Greek Nikolaos, victory of the people). Both threads have converged in the modern name.

Colin and Collin have been used in the United States since at least the 19th century. The Collin spelling is slightly less common than Colin but both rank in the U.S. top 200 boys' names. The name is appreciated for its straightforward, friendly character.

Did you know? Colin and Collin can be traced along two separate paths — one through Scottish Gaelic (Cailean, young warrior) and one through medieval English as a pet form of Nicholas (meaning victory of the people). The two traditions merged into the same modern name.
Overall data confidence 87%
Behind the Name — Colin — etymology for Colin/CollinU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ColinColyn

Nicknames

Col

Famous Bearers

  • ★Colin Powell (1937–2021)
    American statesman and 65th U.S. Secretary of State (2001–2005)

If you like Collin…

Colin— the standard spelling of the same name
Callum— shares the Scottish Gaelic heritage and the same clean, friendly two-syllable appeal
Brennan— another Celtic surname name with the same warm, uncomplicated character
Nolan— shares the Irish-Scottish heritage and the same modern American family-name feel

Frequently Asked

What does Collin mean?

Collin is a variant of Colin, meaning 'young warrior' from Scottish Gaelic Cailean, or a diminutive of Nicholas meaning 'victory of the people' from Greek.

How do you pronounce Collin?

Collin is pronounced KOL-in /ˈkɒl.ɪn/ — two syllables with stress on the first, identical to Colin.

Is Collin different from Colin?

They are alternate spellings with the same pronunciation. Collin uses double L while Colin uses single L.

Is Collin a popular boys' name?

Collin and Colin together rank in the U.S. top 200 boys' names and have been steady choices for parents who want something classic and understated.