Choosing a name for your baby is a significant decision, steeped in meaning and reflecting hopes for their future. If you’re considering Colleen, you’re drawn to a name with a rich history and a charming sound. This article delves into the popularity of Colleen, exploring its origins, variations, and similar-sounding names, providing you with a comprehensive overview to aid in your decision.
(Image of Colleen name graphic from provided source)
Colleen Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
How popular is the name Colleen? Let’s explore its historical trajectory through birth data. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides valuable insights into naming trends over the years.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1911 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1912 | 1,030 | 5 | 0.001% |
| 1913 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1914 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1915 | 1,371 | 6 | 0.0007% |
| 1916 | 1,175 | 11 | 0.0011% |
| 1917 | 932 | 23 | 0.0023% |
| 1918 | 911 | 29 | 0.0027% |
| 1919 | 1,415 | 6 | 0.0006% |
| 1920 | 967 | 27 | 0.0024% |
| 1921 | 750 | 59 | 0.0052% |
| 1922 | 512 | 142 | 0.0127% |
| 1923 | 379 | 270 | 0.0241% |
| 1924 | 289 | 488 | 0.042% |
| 1925 | 249 | 672 | 0.0595% |
| 1926 | 203 | 919 | 0.0836% |
| 1927 | 190 | 1,044 | 0.0943% |
| 1928 | 186 | 1,075 | 0.1005% |
| 1929 | 182 | 1,060 | 0.1023% |
| 1930 | 201 | 923 | 0.0884% |
| 1931 | 219 | 733 | 0.0743% |
| 1932 | 226 | 680 | 0.0688% |
| 1933 | 237 | 637 | 0.0684% |
| 1934 | 236 | 687 | 0.0711% |
| 1935 | 243 | 641 | 0.066% |
| 1936 | 198 | 825 | 0.0856% |
| 1937 | 222 | 712 | 0.0723% |
| 1938 | 235 | 665 | 0.065% |
| 1939 | 244 | 623 | 0.0612% |
| 1940 | 251 | 599 | 0.0564% |
| 1941 | 265 | 557 | 0.0495% |
| 1942 | 253 | 713 | 0.0565% |
| 1943 | 254 | 725 | 0.0555% |
| 1944 | 246 | 699 | 0.0564% |
| 1945 | 234 | 771 | 0.0632% |
| 1946 | 215 | 1,064 | 0.0721% |
| 1947 | 209 | 1,236 | 0.074% |
| 1948 | 161 | 1,760 | 0.1103% |
| 1949 | 146 | 2,009 | 0.1249% |
| 1950 | 124 | 2,602 | 0.1616% |
| 1951 | 113 | 3,038 | 0.1792% |
| 1952 | 108 | 3,467 | 0.1986% |
| 1953 | 115 | 3,376 | 0.1908% |
| 1954 | 119 | 3,483 | 0.1905% |
| 1955 | 110 | 3,868 | 0.2103% |
| 1956 | 113 | 3,894 | 0.2062% |
| 1957 | 118 | 3,885 | 0.2019% |
| 1958 | 116 | 3,919 | 0.2074% |
| 1959 | 110 | 4,336 | 0.2282% |
| 1960 | 107 | 4,444 | 0.2345% |
| 1961 | 106 | 4,510 | 0.2389% |
| 1962 | 101 | 4,429 | 0.2412% |
| 1963 | 98 | 4,433 | 0.247% |
| 1964 | 94 | 4,542 | 0.258% |
| 1965 | 93 | 4,026 | 0.2462% |
| 1966 | 93 | 3,731 | 0.239% |
| 1967 | 96 | 3,611 | 0.2379% |
| 1968 | 101 | 3,475 | 0.2314% |
| 1969 | 109 | 3,402 | 0.2208% |
| 1970 | 117 | 3,314 | 0.2082% |
| 1971 | 121 | 2,928 | 0.1949% |
| 1972 | 124 | 2,478 | 0.1819% |
| 1973 | 125 | 2,285 | 0.1763% |
| 1974 | 124 | 2,320 | 0.1785% |
| 1975 | 133 | 2,091 | 0.1627% |
| 1976 | 137 | 2,023 | 0.157% |
| 1977 | 145 | 1,973 | 0.1464% |
| 1978 | 134 | 2,026 | 0.1507% |
| 1979 | 133 | 2,135 | 0.1514% |
| 1980 | 138 | 2,100 | 0.1436% |
| 1981 | 138 | 2,053 | 0.1397% |
| 1982 | 139 | 2,130 | 0.1425% |
| 1983 | 145 | 1,989 | 0.1348% |
| 1984 | 144 | 2,040 | 0.1371% |
| 1985 | 150 | 1,917 | 0.1263% |
| 1986 | 152 | 1,829 | 0.1212% |
| 1987 | 157 | 1,729 | 0.1133% |
| 1988 | 168 | 1,671 | 0.1072% |
| 1989 | 160 | 1,786 | 0.1107% |
| 1990 | 161 | 1,778 | 0.1073% |
| 1991 | 187 | 1,568 | 0.0962% |
| 1992 | 183 | 1,648 | 0.1032% |
| 1993 | 184 | 1,555 | 0.0997% |
| 1994 | 208 | 1,380 | 0.0899% |
| 1995 | 225 | 1,227 | 0.0814% |
| 1996 | 277 | 1,024 | 0.0684% |
| 1997 | 289 | 966 | 0.0653% |
| 1998 | 350 | 793 | 0.053% |
| 1999 | 409 | 645 | 0.0431% |
| 2000 | 457 | 573 | 0.0375% |
| 2001 | 441 | 593 | 0.0394% |
| 2002 | 546 | 452 | 0.0302% |
| 2003 | 617 | 389 | 0.0256% |
| 2004 | 693 | 344 | 0.0226% |
| 2005 | 770 | 292 | 0.0191% |
| 2006 | 845 | 266 | 0.017% |
| 2007 | 1,054 | 194 | 0.0123% |
| 2008 | 1,058 | 188 | 0.0122% |
| 2009 | 1,155 | 156 | 0.0104% |
| 2010 | 1,085 | 164 | 0.0114% |
| 2011 | 1,365 | 98 | 0.0069% |
| 2012 | 1,401 | 93 | 0.0065% |
| 2013 | 1,319 | 104 | 0.0073% |
| 2014 | 1,596 | 66 | 0.0045% |
| 2015 | 1,651 | 58 | 0.004% |
| 2016 | 1,818 | 44 | 0.0031% |
| 2017 | 1,692 | 51 | 0.0037% |
| 2018 | 2,120 | 25 | 0.0018% |
| 2019 | 1,776 | 41 | 0.003% |
| 2020 | 2,854 | 20 | 0.0016% |
| 2021 | 2,998 | 17 | 0.0014% |
| 2022 | 4,950 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 2023 | 2,407 | 33 | 0.0025% |
As the data shows, Colleen experienced its peak popularity in the mid-20th century, specifically between the 1950s and 1980s. It reached its highest rank during the 1960s, consistently appearing in the top 100 names for girls. While its usage has declined in recent decades, Colleen remains a recognizable and beloved name.
Regional Trends: Colleen in the District of Columbia
(Visualization from provided source – District of Columbia chart data)
The District of Columbia shows similar trends to the national data, with the name peaking in popularity during the mid-20th century and gradually declining thereafter. The fluctuations in popularity likely reflect broader cultural trends and naming preferences within the region.
Delving into the Meaning and Origin of Colleen
The name Colleen has a charmingly simple yet evocative meaning. It originates from the Irish word "cailín," which translates directly to "girl" or "young woman." The name carries a sense of youthful energy and Irish heritage, making it a popular choice for families with Irish roots. Its use outside of Ireland is likely due to the widespread Irish diaspora and the name’s appealing sound.
Exploring Variations of Colleen
If you like Colleen but want something slightly different, several variations offer a similar feel:
- Coleen: A straightforward spelling variation.
- Colene: Adds a slightly more classical feel.
- Collena: Another simple variation of the name.
- Collene: Similar to Colene, keeping the familiar pronunciation.
- Collie: Although sometimes used as a nickname, Collie can stand alone.
- Colline: Offers a French-inspired elegance.
- Colly: A sweet and simple diminutive.
- Kolleen/Kolline: Variations with a "K" offer a modern twist.
These variations retain the core sound and Irish charm of Colleen while providing subtle distinctions.
Names That Echo Colleen: Sound-Alike Options
If you’re drawn to the sound of Colleen but are open to exploring different names, consider these options:
- Caileen: A lovely Gaelic name meaning "girl."
- Caleen: A Greek name meaning "the moon," adding a touch of celestial beauty.
- Callen: A Scottish name meaning "rock," offering a more grounded feel.
- Cayleen: An Irish name meaning "slim and fair."
- Kelleen: Another Irish option, meaning "descendant of Ceallach."
These names share phonetic similarities with Colleen, providing alternative options that might resonate with you.
Similar Names
- Kalina: A Slavic name meaning "flower."
Sibling Names
If you already have a Colleen, you might be interested in names that complement it well. One suggestion from the provided data is:
- Nickolaus: A Greek name meaning "people of victory."
Choosing sibling names that share a similar origin or style can create a harmonious feeling within your family.
Is Colleen Right for Your Daughter?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to name your daughter Colleen is a personal one. Consider its meaning, popularity trends, and your family’s heritage. While its popularity may have waned from its peak, Colleen remains a beautiful and timeless name with a strong connection to Irish culture. It’s a name that is both familiar and unique, offering a blend of tradition and individuality.