A calendar page highlighting "National Colin Day" with a playful handwritten font and a small birthday cake icon

National Colin Day: Celebrating Those Named Colin

National Colin Day is a special observance dedicated to honoring individuals who bear the name Colin, celebrating its rich heritage and cultural significance across different nationalities and backgrounds.

Quick Facts

When is it?: January 29
Tagged as: Name Day Celebration
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalColinDay
When was it founded?: Not specified
Who founded it?: Origin unclear

History

The name Colin has dual origins – as a diminutive of the Old French name Nicolas and as an anglicized form of the Gaelic names Cuilen, Cailean, and Coileáin, meaning “whelp” or “cub.” Throughout the 20th century, Colin maintained significant popularity in England and Wales, reaching its peak as the 15th most popular name in 1944.

Timeline

  • Ancient times: First documentation of Colin as a Scottish Gaelic name
  • 1764: Early Colin settlers arrive in America
  • 1944: Name reaches peak popularity in England and Wales
  • 2005: Colin appears in US Top 100 boys’ names

Dates for Next Years

YearDateDay
2025Jan 29Wednesday
2026Jan 29Thursday
2027Jan 29Friday
2028Jan 29Saturday
2029Jan 29Monday

Observed

The day is celebrated by giving flowers and gifts to people named Colin, transcending boundaries of nationality, religion, and citizenship.

Fun Facts About Colin

  • The name Colin means “victorious people” in its connection to Nicholas
  • It ranked 88th in popularity in Ireland in 2006
  • The first Colin family settled in Ile-de-France
  • The name has maintained popularity across multiple English-speaking countries

Quiz

  • What is the Gaelic origin meaning of Colin?
  • In which year was Colin most popular in England?
  • Where did the first Colin settlers arrive in America?
    (Answers: whelp/cub; 1944; Mobile, Alabama)

FAQs

Q: Is Colin more popular in the UK or US?
A: Historically more popular in the UK

Q: What is the feminine version of Colin?
A: There isn’t a direct feminine equivalent

Importance of National Colin Day

This celebration helps create a sense of community among those sharing the name, while also providing an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage behind the name Colin.

Related

  • Name Day celebrations
  • Scottish heritage
  • French name origins
  • Historical naming patterns
  • Cultural identity celebrations