As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

(origin: Gaelic.) From Cuilein, darling, a term of endearment applied to young animals, as Catulus, in Latin. In the Welsh, Collen signifies hazel--a hazel-grove.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.


Patronymica Britannica (1860)

COLLIN. COLLINS. COLLIS. Colin is one of the diminutives of Nicholas, and Collins may be its genitive, and CoUis a corruption thereof. There are, however, other assigned etymons, as Fr. colli rn;, a hill, and Gael, cuilcin, a term of endearment. But Collinc is also an ancient baptismal name, which existed before the comiilation of Domesday. According to B.L.G. the Collinses of Walford existed, CO iwrnine, in the time of the Conqueror, in cos. Hereford and Salop.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

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