Colin is a popular given name of Irish origin. The name comes from the Gaelic word "Cumal" which means "gentle chief". It has been used throughout history by several notable figures in Irish culture and folklore.
In Ireland, Colin was often associated with the O'Neills, a prominent family that held power in Ulster during medieval times. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Colin Farrell, an actor known for his roles in films like "The Banger Sisters" and "Minority Report".
Despite its Irish origins, Colin has been widely used throughout Europe and even beyond. In France, it is often spelled as "Colin", while in Germany and Scandinavia, it may be rendered as "Kolbein". The name has also been popularized by famous individuals such as Colin Powell, the former US Secretary of State, and Colin Firth, an English actor renowned for his roles in films like "Pride & Prejudice" and "Love Actually".
Overall, Colin is a strong and distinctive given name with rich historical roots. Its meaning adds to its appeal, suggesting leadership and gentleness simultaneously, qualities that many parents may wish their children to embody.
The name Colin has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the years, with a total of 445 births recorded since 1960. The popularity of the name Colin has fluctuated over time, with peaks and valleys in its usage.
In the early years, between 1960 and 1973, there were fewer than 10 births per year for the name Colin, except for a brief spike to 10 births in 1969. However, starting from 1976, the number of births began to increase significantly, reaching a peak of 25 births in 2004.
After this peak, the popularity of the name Colin started to decline again, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded between 2005 and 2011. However, there was another small spike in 2011, with 7 births recorded that year. Since then, the number of births for the name Colin has stabilized at around 5 births per year, as seen in recent years from 2014 to 2021.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Colin has varied over time, it has remained a consistent choice for parents in the United States. With a total of 445 births recorded since 1960, Colin is certainly a well-known and beloved name among American families.