Colin
Colin is a boy name of Scottish Gaelic / English origin, meaning “Young pup; or 'victory of the people'”.
| Meaning | Young pup; or 'victory of the people' |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Scottish Gaelic / English |
| Pronunciation | KOL-in |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, France |
Meaning and origin of Colin
Colin has two separate sources. In Scotland and Ireland it represents the Gaelic Cailean, meaning a young dog or whelp, used affectionately for a young man. In England it developed as a medieval pet form of Nicholas, from the Greek for 'victory of the people'. Notable bearers include Secretary of State Colin Powell and actor Colin Firth.
Is Colin a religious name?
Colin has no strong religious background; its English branch is loosely linked to St Nicholas through its origin as a short form.
How popular is Colin?
Common in Britain and Ireland for decades; still used in North America.
Gifts with the name Colin
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.
Spellings and variants of Colin
Names similar to Colin
More boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Colin mean?
Colin means 'Young pup; or 'victory of the people''. It is of Scottish Gaelic / English origin.
Does Colin have a religious meaning?
Colin has no strong religious background; its English branch is loosely linked to St Nicholas through its origin as a short form.
How do you pronounce Colin?
Colin is pronounced KOL-in.
Is Colin a boy or girl name?
Colin is usually a boy name.