Find out how popular the first name Coleen has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Coleen by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Coleen is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Coleen.

The history of the first name Coleen

The name Coleen is a variant spelling of the Irish feminine name Colleen, which is derived from the Irish Gaelic words "cailín" or "caillín," meaning "young woman" or "girl." The name has its roots in the Gaelic language and culture, originating in Ireland.

The name Colleen first appeared in written records during the 16th century, when it was commonly used as a term of endearment for a young Irish girl or woman. In the early days, it was not necessarily a proper name but rather a descriptive term.

One of the earliest known references to the name Colleen can be found in the play "The White Devil" by John Webster, written in 1612. The play features a character named Colleen, which suggests that the name was already in use at that time.

As Ireland's culture and language were suppressed during the English colonization, the name Colleen became a symbol of Irish identity and resistance. It was embraced as a distinctly Irish name, representing the country's rich heritage and traditions.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Coleen or its variations. One of the most famous was Coleen Nolan (born 1964), an English singer and television presenter who rose to fame as a member of the popular Irish family music group, The Nolans.

Another well-known Coleen was Coleen Gray (1922-2015), an American actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows during the 1940s and 1950s, including the classic noir film "Nightmare Alley."

In the world of sports, Coleen Sakhau (born 1976) is a former professional basketball player from Papua New Guinea who represented her country in international competitions.

Coleen Fitzpatrick (1924-2004) was an American actress and comedian who gained recognition for her roles in several television series, including "The Phil Silvers Show" and "The Jackie Gleason Show."

Lastly, Coleen Rooney (born 1986) is a British television personality and author, best known for her marriage to former English professional footballer Wayne Rooney.

While the name Coleen may have originated as a term of endearment, it has evolved into a distinct and meaningful name with a rich cultural heritage, representing the spirit and resilience of the Irish people.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Coleen was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Coleen, please contact us.

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