Colleen

girlIrish

Colleen is an girl name of Irish origin, meaning “Girl”.

MeaningGirl
GenderGirl
OriginIrish
Pronunciationkol-LEEN
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, Australia, Canada

Meaning and origin of Colleen

Colleen comes from the Irish word cailín, meaning girl or young woman. Interestingly, it is not traditionally used as a given name in Ireland itself; it became popular in the United States, Canada and Australia, especially among families of Irish descent, from the early twentieth century. Novelist Colleen McCullough, author of The Thorn Birds, is a well-known bearer.

Is Colleen a religious name?

Colleen has no religious background; it is an Irish word used as a given name, mostly outside Ireland.

How popular is Colleen?

Popular in the mid-twentieth century; now uncommon for babies.

Gifts with the name Colleen

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Spellings and variants of Colleen

ColeenColeneCailin

Names similar to Colleen

MaureenKathleenEileenShannon

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Colleen mean?

Colleen means 'Girl'. It is of Irish origin.

Does Colleen have a religious meaning?

Colleen has no religious background; it is an Irish word used as a given name, mostly outside Ireland.

How do you pronounce Colleen?

Colleen is pronounced kol-LEEN.

Is Colleen a boy or girl name?

Colleen is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.