Colleen Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Colleen
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name COLLEEN. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Colleen
Gender
Female
Origin
Irish
Lucky Number
3
Meaning of the Name
Colleen is an Irish feminine name that means 'girl' or 'maiden.' It directly derives from the Irish word 'cailín' and represents youthful femininity and Irish heritage.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Jupiter
Positive Nature
Optimistic, inspirational, and creative.
Negative Traits
Scattered, exaggerating.
Lucky Colours
Yellow, gold, purple.
Lucky Days
Thursday.
Lucky Stones
Yellow sapphire.
Harmony Numbers
1, 2, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Arts, writing, communication.
What People Like About You
Creativity, optimism.
Famous People Named Colleen
Colleen Moore
Actress
Silent film star known for popularizing the bob haircut and creating one of the first dollhouses
Colleen Dewhurst
Actress
Award-winning stage and screen actress known as 'Queen of Off-Broadway' and multiple Emmy and Tony awards
Colleen Hoover
Author
Bestselling contemporary romance novelist with numerous #1 New York Times bestsellers
Colleen Ballinger
YouTuber/Comedian
Creator of the character Miranda Sings and successful digital content creator
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
The name gained additional cultural traction through songs, poems, and stories that romanticized Irish country life, making it a symbol of Irish feminine identity abroad. During the Irish diaspora, naming daughters Colleen became a way for families to maintain cultural ties while assimilating into new societies. The name also appears in numerous Irish folk songs and literary works, often representing the idealized Irish maiden - beautiful, pure-hearted, and connected to the land. This cultural symbolism helped preserve Irish identity during periods of significant emigration and cultural displacement.
Extended Personality Analysis
Women named Colleen are often perceived as warm, approachable, and nurturing individuals with strong emotional intelligence. They typically possess a natural charm and social grace that makes them excellent communicators and mediators in group settings. Many Colleens demonstrate resilience and practical wisdom, combining traditional values with modern adaptability. Their personality often reflects a balance between being grounded and imaginative, with many showing artistic inclinations or creative problem-solving abilities.
Colleens tend to be loyal friends and family members who value deep, meaningful relationships over superficial connections. They often exhibit a quiet strength and determination that serves them well in both personal and professional endeavors, while maintaining a gentle, compassionate demeanor that puts others at ease. Many people with this name are known for their reliability and consistency, making them trusted confidantes and team members. The name often carries expectations of kindness and emotional stability, and most Colleens naturally grow into these characteristics through their life experiences and personal development.
Modern Usage & Popularity
Colleen experienced peak popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1940s through the 1970s, when it consistently ranked within the top 200 girls' names. The name has since declined in usage but maintains a steady presence, often chosen by parents seeking a classic Irish name that feels both traditional and accessible. In recent decades, Colleen has become less common among newborns but remains well-represented in the adult population. The name continues to be popular in Irish-American communities and among families with Celtic heritage, though it now competes with more contemporary Irish names like Saoirse, Siobhan, and Niamh. Modern usage often pairs Colleen with contemporary middle names or uses it as a middle name itself to honor family traditions while keeping first names more current.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Colleen represents purity, innocence, and the idealized image of Irish femininity. The name carries connotations of natural beauty, simplicity, and connection to the earth, often evoking images of the Irish countryside and traditional rural life. It symbolizes cultural preservation and diaspora identity, serving as a bridge between Irish heritage and modern Western culture. Metaphorically, Colleen embodies the concept of 'the girl next door' - approachable, genuine, and trustworthy. The name also represents resilience and adaptation, reflecting the Irish immigrant experience of maintaining cultural identity while building new lives in foreign lands. In a broader sense, it symbolizes the universal journey of young womanhood and the transition from girl to woman, carrying both the innocence of youth and the promise of maturity.