COLIN

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Colin
Surname

Origin and Meaning
The surname Colin is of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the personal name Col(l)e, a medieval form of the name Nicholas. The name Nicholas itself is of Greek origin, meaning "victory of the people". The surname Colin has variations such as Collin, Collinge, and Cullen.

Distribution and Popularity
The surname Colin is relatively rare in Great Britain, with the highest concentrations found in Scotland and Ireland. It is most commonly found in Lanarkshire, Scotland, and County Cork, Ireland.

Notable Bearers

Colin Firth: A renowned English actor, famous for his roles in films such as "Pride and Prejudice" and "The King's Speech".
Colin Kaepernick: An American football quarterback, known for his activism both on and off the field.
Colin Farrell: An Irish actor, starring in movies like "In Bruges" and "The Lobster".

Historical Significance
The surname Colin has a long history entwined with the social and political developments of Great Britain and Ireland. Bearers of the name have contributed to various fields, including the arts, academia, and politics.

Trivia
The surname Colin may also have originated as a nickname for someone with dark or coal-black hair, further adding to the diversity of its meanings and origins.

There are approximately 745 people named Colin in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,256th most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Colin.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Region of origin: Europe

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Andrew
David
John
Michael
Neil
Paul
Richard
Robert
Stephen
Thomas

Female

Ann
Elizabeth
Emma
Joanna
Julia
Katherine
Louise
Martine
Mary
Patricia
Sandrine
Sarah
Shiralee
Valerie

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.