Boy Name · Irish Origin
Colin
Last reviewed: June 2026
Colin — a boy name from the Irish tradition — is distinctive but not obscure. Its meaning, "Pup, young creature", anchors the name in something deeper than sound alone. If Collin is on your shortlist, Colin belongs in the same conversation.
Names like Colin
Frequently asked about Colin
What does the name Colin mean?
Colin means "Pup, young creature" and is of Irish origin.
What is the origin of Colin?
Colin originates in Irish naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Colin?
Colin has 5 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Colin a boy's or girl's name?
Colin is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Colin in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Colin sits in the Top 1000 tier — distinctive but not obscure.
What names are similar to Colin?
Names that share Colin's sound and style include Collin, Colon, Coleen, Calen, Colleen.