Colleen

Colleen is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It derives from the Gaelic word cailín, meaning girl or maiden, and has been used in Anglophone countries since the 19th century. In older English usage, Colleen has also appeared as a generic term for an Irish girl, though today it is principally a personal name.

It remains most common in the United States, Ireland, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where it has been given to several generations of girls. The name's popularity has varied over time, often peaking in the mid-20th century in some English-speaking countries, but it continues to be used today as a traditional, familiar choice.

Notable people named Colleen include Colleen Ballinger (born 1986), American comedian and actress; Colleen Hoover (born 1979), American author; Colleen Atwood (born 1948), American costume designer and Academy Award winner; and Colleen McCullough (1937–2015), Australian novelist.