Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Colleen
GirlIrish· “girl”
- Meaning
- girl
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- kah-LEEN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,829
- US babies 2025
- 60
- Best rank
- #93 (1965)
- Peak year
- 1964
Meaning and origin of Colleen
Colleen is an Irish name that means “girl”.
Straight from the Irish word cailín, meaning 'girl', Colleen is one of the clearest examples of an Irish common noun turned given name. Interestingly, it was never much used as a first name in Ireland itself; it took root instead among Irish communities abroad, especially in the United States, Canada and Australia, where it became a proud marker of heritage. The name has a friendly, mid-century feel today, recalling an era of Maureens and Kathleens. For parents drawn to it, Colleen offers warmth, simplicity and an unmistakable Irish accent, with Coll or Cole as possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Colleen first appears in US Social Security records in 1901. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 93 different years, starting in 1909. Its best national rank was #93 in 1965, and the most babies received it in 1964, when 4,546 were named Colleen. In 2025, 60 babies were named Colleen, and it ranked #2,829 nationally. That is 48% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #818 in 1920, #124 in 1950, #137 in 1980, #455 in 2000, #1,198 in 2010, and #2,829 in 2025. Of the 162,754 US girls named Colleen since records began, 25% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 35,913 babies. Since 2010, 1,667 more have been named Colleen.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Shelly, Penny, Sherri, Sheri, and Renee.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Colleen ranked highest in Illinois, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | #1455 | 5 |
| California | #2849 | 6 |
| Texas | #3010 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Colleen is usually pronounced kah-LEEN, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with C and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Colleen
A few middle names that flow with Colleen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Colleen
Similar names
Kathleen Girl
kath-LEEN
“Irish form of Catherine; meaning uncertain” · Irish
#1,156
Maureen Girl
maw-REEN
“little Mary, from Irish Mairin” · Irish
#4,424
Eileen Girl
eye-LEEN
“Irish form of Evelyn” · Irish
#654
Arlen Unisex
AHR-luhn
“from an Irish or English surname” · Irish
#1,587
Karen Girl
KEH-ruhn
“Danish form of Katherine” · Danish
#1,281
Rowen Unisex
ROH-uhn
“little red one; also rowan tree” · Irish
#488
Aileen Girl
eye-LEEN
“uncertain; Irish form of Evelyn” · Irish
#799
Ellen Girl
EL-uhn
“uncertain (medieval form of Helen)” · English
#1,062
Kristen Girl
KRIHS-tuhn
“follower of Christ” · Danish
#1,999
Ayleen Girl
ay-LEEN
“variant of Aileen” · Irish
#863
Gretchen Girl
GREH-chihn
“little Margaret; pearl” · German
#4,292
Lauren Girl
LOR-uhn
“from Laurentum; linked to laurel” · English
#401
Lists that include Colleen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Colleen mean?
Colleen is an Irish name that means “girl”.
What is the origin of the name Colleen?
Colleen has Irish roots. Straight from the Irish word cailín, meaning 'girl', Colleen is one of the clearest examples of an Irish common noun turned given name.
Is Colleen a popular name?
Not especially. Colleen ranked #2,829 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Colleen a boy or girl name?
Colleen is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Colleen?
Colleen is usually pronounced kah-LEEN. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings