Colin \c(o)-lin\ as a boy's name is pronounced KOH-lin, KAH-lin. It is of Irish, Scottish and Gaelic origin, and the meaning of Colin is "young creature". Diminutive form of the medieval name Col or Colle, a short form of Nicholas (Greek) "people of victory". In Scotland, it has been used as an anglicized form of Cailean (Gaelic), popular among the Campbells and the MacKenzies. See also Collin. Secretary of State Colin Powell; actors Colin Farrell, Colin Firth.

Colin has 6 variant forms: Cailean, Colan, Col, Cole, Colle and Colyn.

Baby names that sound like Colin are Colwin, Calan, Cailin, Collen, Colwyn, Cullin, Galin, Glin and Kalin.