Coleen

Meaning of Coleen

Derived from the Irish Gaelic cailín, a diminutive term originally denoting “girl” or “young woman,” Coleen constitutes an Anglicized variant that secured modest yet consistent presence within mid–20th-century American nomenclature. Phonetically rendered as /koʊlin/, the name aligns with Anglo-American preferences for clear, two-syllable constructs, and exemplifies the broader historical trend of integrating Gaelic-based anthroponyms into English-speaking contexts. Examination of Iowa birth records from 1931 through 1965 reveals that Coleen’s highest recorded frequency occurred in 1932, when ten newborns bore the name—securing a rank of 98th—after which its occurrence stabilized at lower but steady levels, reflecting neither precipitous decline nor rapid ascendance. In analytical terms, Coleen’s enduring appeal lies in its fusion of pastoral simplicity with mid-century modern sensibilities, offering both a direct link to Celtic linguistic heritage and a measured expression of post-war American identity.