Colin
Meaning of Colin
Colin, pronounced KAH-lin, traces a twin lineage: on one branch it descends from the Scottish-Gaelic Cailean, “young pup” or “whelp,” a term once bestowed on fresh-faced warriors; on the other, it slips in from medieval France as a pet form of Nicolas, quietly carrying the meaning “victory of the people.” The name moves through history rather like saffron threads in a Persian rice dish—subtle yet unmistakable—appearing in literature, borne by saints such as sixth-century Columba, and, in modern times, lent an urbane sheen by actors Colin Firth and Colin Farrell. In the United States its popularity crested in the early 2000s before settling into a comfortable middle rank, suggesting a balance between familiarity and individuality. For parents, Colin offers a compact, two-syllable choice: easy on the ear, modestly heroic in heritage, and touched with just enough Old-World romance to feel at home whether whispered in a Scottish glen or, dare one imagine, recited over cardamom tea in Shiraz.
Pronunciation
American English
- Pronunced as KAH-lin (/ˈkɑlɪn/)
British English
- Pronunced as KAH-lin (/ˈkɒlɪn/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Colin
| Colin Luther Powell was an American diplomat who served as the 65th US secretary of state from 2001 to 2005, becoming the first African American in that role, after earlier serving as national security advisor and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. |
| Colin Kaepernick is an American civil rights activist and former San Francisco 49ers quarterback known for kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest police brutality and racial inequality. |
| Colin Farrell is an acclaimed Irish actor, a leading man since the 2000s, winner of three Golden Globes and a SAG Award, an Oscar and Emmy nominee, named Ireland's fifth greatest film actor in 2020 and a Time 100 honoree in 2023. |
| Colin Firth is an acclaimed English actor and producer who has won an Academy Award, two BAFTAs, and a Golden Globe, earned two Emmy nominations, was appointed CBE in 2011, and was named to the Time 100. |
| Scottish rally driver Colin McRae won the British Rally Championship in 1991 and 1992 and in 1995 became the first Scot to win the World Rally Championship title. |
| Colin Ray Jackson is a Welsh former 110 metre hurdler who won Olympic silver, multiple world and Commonwealth titles, stayed unbeaten at the Europeans for 12 years, and held long standing 110 and 60 metre hurdles world records. |
| Colin Baker is an English actor famed for playing Paul Merroney in The Brothers and for a controversial stint as the Sixth Doctor in Doctor Who, later praised in Big Finish audio dramas. |
| Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan are Scottish interior decorators and television presenters who have been partners since 1985 and entered a civil partnership in 2008. |
| Colin Fox is a Scottish socialist politician and activist who has served as national co spokesperson of the Scottish Socialist Party since 2005 and was a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Lothians from 2003 to 2007. |
| Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman was an English automotive engineer and inventor who founded Lotus Cars. |
| Sir Colin Earl Meads was a New Zealand rugby union lock for the All Blacks, playing 55 tests from 1957 to 1971. |
| Colin Zachary Allred is an American politician and civil rights lawyer, a former professional football player, who represented Texas 32nd district in the US House from 2019 to 2025. |
| Colin Charles Greenwood is an English bassist for Radiohead who also plays upright bass and electronic instruments. |
| Norman Colin Dexter was an English crime writer best known for Inspector Morse, adapted for television and spawning the series Lewis and Endeavour, and he also set crosswords for The Oxford Times. |
| Colin Hanks is an American actor and filmmaker best known for playing Gus Grimly on the FX crime series Fargo, a role that earned him Golden Globe, Primetime Emmy, and Critics Choice nominations. |
