Collins

#24 in South Dakota

Meaning of Collins

Collins, pronounced KAH-linz, began as an Anglo-Irish patronymic surname—either “descendant of Ó Coileáin,” a Gaelic by-name meaning “young pup,” or “child of Colin,” the medieval pet form of Nicholas, “victory of the people.” The added “s” once signified “son of,” but modern usage has recast the name as a sleek given name, particularly for girls in the United States. Practically invisible on birth registers until the 1980s, Collins has marched upward every year since 2004, now sitting comfortably in the mid-200s and showing no sign of retreat. Cultural footnotes are plentiful: novelist Suzanne Collins, actor Lily Collins, and even the fizzy Tom Collins cocktail all give the name a crisp, contemporary sheen. With its surname chic, Celtic undertone, and hint of quiet tenacity, Collins offers parents a compact yet distinctive choice—familiar enough to spell, uncommon enough to turn heads.

Pronunciation

English

  • Pronunced as KAH-linz (/ˈkɑlɪn(z)/)

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Similar Names to Collins

    Notable People Named Collins

    Collins Bassett Allen was an American politician from New Jersey.
    Laura Katherine Bennett
    Curated byLaura Katherine Bennett

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