Colin
BoyIrish
Colin is a boy name of Irish origin meaning "Diminutive form of Nicolas".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
Irish
Popularity
15 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
5 letters
Meaning
Diminutive form of Nicolas
Etymology
Colin is an English-language masculine given name. It has two distinct origins:A diminutive form of "Colle", itself an Old French short form of the name Nicolas. This name, but not the anglicized Gaelic name, is also found in the spelling Collin.
Famous People Named Colin
- Colin Powell — American general and diplomat (1937–2021)
- Colin Firth — English actor and producer
- Colin Farrell — Irish actor (born 1976)
- Colin Renfrew — British archaeologist (1937–2024)
- Colin Salmon — British actor (b. 1962)
Frequently Asked Questions About Colin
What does the name Colin mean?
Colin means "Diminutive form of Nicolas", and is of Irish origin.
What is the origin of the name Colin?
Colin originates from Irish.
Is Colin a boy or girl name?
Colin is typically used as a boy name.
Are there famous people named Colin?
Yes — notable people named Colin include Colin Powell (American general and diplomat, 1937–2021), Colin Firth (English actor and producer), Colin Farrell (Irish actor, born 1976), Colin Renfrew (British archaeologist, 1937–2024) and Colin Salmon (British actor, b. 1962).
Last updated: June 2026