Collie

Collie is a Scottish surname of both Gaelic and Old Norse origins. The name is believed to have derived from the Gaelic word "coile," meaning "wood" or "forest." It is also thought to have originated from the Old Norse word "kolr," which means "coal." The name may have been given to individuals who lived near a wood or forest, or who worked in the coal industry.

The earliest recorded instances of the Collie surname date back to the late 13th century in Scotland. Over the centuries, the surname has spread to other parts of the British Isles and beyond, particularly to England and Ireland. Variants of the surname include Colley and Coley.

The Collie surname is associated with various notable individuals throughout history, including artists, politicians, and athletes. One of the most famous bearers of the surname was the Scottish painter Sir George Collie (1859–1941), known for his landscape and portrait paintings.

Today, the Collie surname continues to be found in Scotland and other English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States. The name has retained its popularity as a recognisable and distinctive surname with a rich historical and cultural significance.

There are approximately 1,457 people named Collie in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,465th most common surname in Britain. Around 22 in a million people in Britain are named Collie.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • Brian
  • David
  • George
  • James
  • John
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jane
  • Jean
  • Jennifer
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Pamela
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Tracy

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