US Popularity Rank: 650

Origin: Scottish

Meaning: Whelp; Cub; Victory of the people; Young hound

Colin is a boy’s name of two distinct origins—Gaelic and Old French. An anglicized version of the Old Irish and Scottish Gaelic names Cuilen and Cailean, Colin can mean “whelp,” “cub,” or "young hound." This can be a lovely way to celebrate baby's youthful, playful spirit from the very start. In Old French roots, Colin is a diminutive of Col and a short form of Nicholas, meaning "victory of the people." Over the years, Colin has enjoyed high praise, partly thanks to fetching stars Firth and Farrell, who add to his alluring charm. The name also shares literary acclaim as a character in the Harry Potter series and The Secret Garden, a novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Recognised both in film and text, your little one is sure to enjoy sharing the spotlight with some of the best in the business.