Colleen Name: 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.
The name Colleen is most popular in Montana, USA 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, Colleen 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, 'Colleen' has shown interesting popularity patterns: 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. Discover how the name 'Colleen' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Colleen"
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)
Explore More Colleen Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Colleen"
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 of "Colleen"
"Colleen" 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 of "Colleen" by Generation for 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 of "Colleen" by Generation for 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 of "Colleen"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Colleen" 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.