Colleen

Sounds dated. Seems like an alternative to Karen. Plain boring name.

I'm not Irish or anything related to that, in fact, I live in the Philippines, and having this kind of name really makes me feel quite special. Colleen is my first name, which apparently means "little girl", and my second name, being Joy, just by hearing it gives the impression that I'm some kind of jolly little girl that is always happy. I mean I don't dislike being happy always, I love positivity and I appreciate the fact that my parents named me this because they're already looking forward to my happy smiling face. I also, would still look forward to my smiling face even though I'm not a "little girl" anymore.

Reading through these comments I'm a bit surprised that a lot of people hated the name growing up or just don't like it. My name is Colleen and I've always liked it, although with the popularity of souvenirs with names on them it's frustrating sometimes when I can't find something with my name. I've learned to live with it though.

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And honestly, I've had quite a laugh with my name. First of all, it means "girl" or "young girl". Like, wow. Okay. Thank you dad for naming me that. And also, I've had so many people mispronounce/misspell my name throughout my life that I'm at a point where I just go with whatever I'm called if someone doesn't understand the pronunciation after I've corrected them. My mom and I joke about how my dad gave me a hard name to pronounce as he named me Colleen and I have his last name. Both are fairly easy to pronounce (and spell!) but people just don't get them right.

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I enjoy my name and actually really love it. It's fun to meet other Colleens out in the world (although I'm definitely a young one - born in 1996!).

I like Colleen.

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It is actually being used in Ireland as a name, even though it's not super popular. Many people in Ireland don't speak Irish anymore. Also, Erin (which means "Ireland") is used there despite not being a traditional Irish given name. Times are changing.

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Colleen peaked in Ireland at #197 in 1992. You can look it up here: https://www.cso.ie/en/interactivezone/visualisationtools/babynamesofireland/

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So yes, this name is used in Ireland, even if it's not extremely common.

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And what is wrong with it meaning "girl"? Nothing, in my opinion.

I'm a Colleen and I actually like my name. I have no Irish in me whatsoever and I don't honestly know why my parents named me Colleen aside from the fact they liked the name. I would have put a STOP to anyone who called me "Collie" (YUCK). Family and certain friends call me "Col" which is fine with me. There is a famous Colleen - Colleen Dewhurst. She was in movies and shows including the role of Murphy Brown's mom. I've not met many other girls with the same name as me to be honest. There was one other Colleen in my soccer team and I once had a girl who spelled it Collean. That is one thing I did like about having a unique name - I didn't have to share it with anyone in my class at school. - unlike my brother who's name was one of the most popular when he was born (1977) and add to it the number of kids with the same name on his hockey team!

I don't understand why people hate this name so much! I personally love it, and think the nickname Collie (rhymes with Polly and Molly) is cute and should be a thing. I'm thinking of giving my first daughter this name. I love that it's unique but also distinctly feminine and has been heard before, so it's not weird.

My first name is Colleen and I'm embarrassed by it. My white American parents who claim an Irish identity named me Colleen. They were ignorant then and continue to choose ignorance to this day. My name makes it impossible for me to escape their ignorance. I hate it.

I personally don't like it.

It sounds pretty, but I dislike the fact that it's a word meaning girl.

Personally I can only think of Ms Collins from Bride and Prejudice, and that's not a good impression.

This name is really dated and I don't like the names that rhyme with spleen.

I don’t like the meaning girl. It’s just pointless. There are billions of girls. And what if they change their sexuality?

At least it doesn't mean boy!

Colleen gives me the impression of a sweet girl. I have the association of a little ghost girl from a game called Touch Detective, and so I have a sort of an eerie vibe with the name but in a good way.

To Irish people, Colleen is a joke. Stupid name.

My name is Colleen. I don't care for it, honestly. But I'm here to point out you are wrong. The name isn't a joke in Ireland. In fact, it is widely used in Ireland.

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Okay, after dealing with the ignorant person.

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I met 1 Colleen in my life until high school when I met another. As an adult, I come across Colleen's all the time. Most have Irish last names. Since Colleen means "girl" my grandfather called me girl growing up.

Such an ugly sounding name harsh on the ears and the way it is spelled looks so weird and awkward. No wonder the name has never been popular in America.

I am a Colleen with a long "O". I have always loved my name. I love the fact that my name means girl, but moreover the spiritual meaning is "virtuous spirit" my middle name, Cathleen means "pure one". I learned those meanings when I was 14, I am now 55. As a young teen, I chose to use my name as a reminder to myself, that that is what God desired of me. I am pleased to say with God's strength and help I was virtuous and pure on my wedding day. The meaning of names is very important. Yes, I could play outside and climb trees, but I always chose to remember that I was a lady. I have a nickname that no one else has mentioned, Keenie.

I am Colleen Ann - born just before St. Patty's day in 1961. My mom was going to name me Nancy but the nurses told my mom she should name me an Irish name because I was born just before 3/17. She picked Colleen because it means "girl" in Ireland. When I was little my brother (who is no longer with us) called me "Cokie" and it stuck. My husband calls me "Coke". People always ask me if it's Cah-leen or Coh-leen. Honestly I don't really care. My family pronounces my name Coh-leen but my husband says Cah-leen. Either way, I really like my name. I am petite, with dark brown hair with green/blue eyes and am forever grateful I am not "Nancy".

My first name is Colleen and I love it. I was born in 1987 so there aren't many other millennials my age with the name. It's unique, but classic and easy to pronounce and spell. I'm always the only Colleen in the room, but no one looks at me like "huh? Say that again?" when I'm introduced.

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The only downside is that if I ever visit Ireland I plan to use my middle name. I would be embarrassed to go by Colleen there, just as I wouldn't want to visit the US and use "Girl" as a proper noun. If this concerns you but you like the name, maybe consider Maureen or Eileen as more authentic Irish names with a similar sound.

I was christened Colleen by my parents. The name was chosen because they liked the sound of it. The fact that the first name meant girl had nothing to do with their choice, and no long-term damage has resulted from having a name that means girl.

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I can't account for some of the weirder comments left by people that discount a name because a family member is "crazy" in their subjective opinion. Likely that has more to do with a disasterous upbringing rather than interesting vowel and consonant groupings.

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Hope this serves to clear up confusion (for some) on one of the reasons why parents name their children the way they do.

The meaning Irish girl is perfect for me. My name is Koleen. Yes, I know it's spelt so different but I definitely agree with the meaning. I am a redhead with freckles and blue eyes- a typical Irish girl who is Italian lol and a little Irish. I love the name in the unique way my parents chose to spell it. I just wish I could find personalized items with it on it already and not special order everything. So I give the name Koleen two thumbs up.. it fits me well and goes well with my middle name Koleen Marie.

My name is Colleen and I used to hate the name. I thought that it was ugly and for old people, as all the people I would meet would tell me that it was their grandmother's name. I used to be jealous of my siblings for having more popular and modern names. I hated when I had to re-tell people my name or spell it out. And I didn't like the nickname of Cole, it sounded so ugly. But now I love it and am thankful that I don't have boring names like my other sister's. I also like it next to my middle name, Colleen Grace, it is just really nice and sweet. Also, as Colleen means girl and Grace means 'of god', my name means girl of god, that's pretty special. I do come from an Irish background but I live in Australia. I have never met another Colleen and for that reason I love my name. I also don't mind the nicknames of Cole or Colly anymore.

My name is Colleen and I hate it. It's a horrible translation of an Irish word. When I'm older I will probably like it but NOT NOW! I have so many nicknames. I like it better when people say KAH-leen. I've heard KOH-leen a lot before and I don't mind being called that either, but if you call me KUH-leen I will correct you on that really fast. KUH-leen just sound hideous. It sounds like clean.

Yep, I'm the one that commented on it on 7/12/15 lol my middle name is Mara and I get bitter Irish girl too. The good part about being named Colleen though is the song by "The Foreign Resort" Colleen. Other then that, there is no good part.

I think Colleen is a very pretty name. Sounds sweet and wholesome.

My name is Colleen, pronounced Co-leen. Co as in Coke. My family or friends call me Co or Coco. I am a short reddish brown haired girl with blue eyes that sometimes look green. I have freckles and no matter how much I try I never really tan. I have met a few Colleens ( Cal-leen ) but never any other Co-leens like me. I have always loved my name. I come from an Irish/ French backround and have never been teased for my name but always have trouble with people calling me Jolene or mis-pronouncing it. I think this is a lovely name for a girl, the perfect balance of vintage and fresh!

I've always liked my name. It's not very common and makes great sense given my surname was O'Rourke. My mom named me Colleen (cah-leen) because it was a term of endearment used by her mother. I really don't think it matters whether it originated in Ireland or the USA. I love the fact that I've only known a handful of people with the name Colleen. Think of all the hundreds of women who all share the same name. Mine says "She is one of a kind." I am not blonde, nor am I bossy. I am a beautiful, reddish brunette with silver blue eyes that sometimes look green, clear pale skin, high cheekbones, full red lips, lovely sculpted jawline. I tan very dark in summer. Classic Irish looks with a hint of American headstrong brilliance. When I traveled in England I never once heard anyone dis my name. This is a beautiful name for smart strong women who don't need anyone's approval, nor the safety in numbers that comes with almost every other feminine name in existence. Colleen Kay : nickname Cola! If you use it for a child just be sure it sounds good with the surname. FYI: Dude is Irish for boy. Think of how much use that word has gotten into our culture. I think it would take a lot of bravery to defy popular opinion and name a boy Dude! I say go for it!

My name is Colleen... and I have always, always loved it! It is sweet and feminine and not very common. My middle name is Eleanor, and my husband loves to say the two names together. My father died when I was 8 years old... but I remember him asking me all of the time if I liked my name... and he also loved to say "Colleen Eleanor" together. Together with Eleanor, to me it sounds cute and also a little old-fashioned. Fun, but also classic. And to the one person who had the image of a blond, curly-headed, bossy girl... YEP! That is exactly who I am... with a huge heart. Bossy only because I want to try to help, not because I think I know better. That is what is most misunderstood about Colleens. :)

Not a fave of mine. Colleens always seem to have the same personality!
Even though it means "young girl" it doesn't sound like a pretty or feminine name.

I am obssessed with the name Colleen! It's a really cute, sweet, pretty, vintage, classic sounding name and the meaning "girl" is lovely. Colleen makes a PERFECT middle name for many combos. I am definitely considering this name! :D.

The name Colleen was given to 143 baby girls born in the US in 2012.

I would never bestow this name on my child; not because there's anything wrong with it, but because every Colleen I've met (including my mother and one of my dearest friends) is batshit crazy. As much as I love the Colleens in my life, I'd rather not jinx myself...

I hate this tacky, trashy name. It's not very dignified, and it's also very dated. Besides, it means "girl". Who would want a name meaning "girl"? I'm not crazy about Irish names, but I know that people in Ireland would find it ridiculous if you named your daughter this!

This is my name and when I was young I hated it and wanted to change it. Now that I am older I like it because it is unique and sounds pretty. My friend gave me the nickname Calinkalink because she was saying my name over and over and it sounded like she was saying calinkalink. I think it's a wonderful name for any age group.

Awful, just awful. A very outdated and 'Irish-American' name, along with Erin. It's not like you have to give your daughter a name that indicates her gender or anything.

My name is Colleen and when I was younger I honestly didn't like it. I wanted to change my name to Lillian, as in Lil from "Rugrats". But now I love it, how I don't know hardly anyone with the name. There is one other girl in my grade with this name, and when we were in the same class I was deemed "Colleen H.". I hated when she was in my class. I hate it when my name is misspelled, or when people pronounce it "COH-leen" (like my UNCLE does!) instead of "KAH-leen" or even "CUH-leen" or, as my mum has shorthanded it (to my severe disliking) C'leen. Once a substitute bus driver gave us assigned seats, writing our names in sharpie on mazking tape and putting it above the windows where we sit. Even though we wrote our names on the sheet, my seat read "Collen". People still tease me about it, calling me "Collin" or even "Colon"!
And with nicknames, I really have always been called Colleen, except in 4th grade being nicknamed Cole (as I wanted, after a character in the show "Lost") and Leena for one summer. My parents call me CoCo, and one friend occasionally titles me "Coco-Cola". I don't think this name should be messed with, spelling-wise, except maybe if spelled "Cailin". And FYI, it is NOT an Irish name, it is American, from an Irish word meaning "girl". Which actually doesn't get any teasing (no one knows what it means). Colleen is overall a good name, unpopular without being unheard of, and timeless. Good for a little girl, a teen, a woman, or a granny. COLLEENS RULE!

Colleen is kind of boring name of a girl. I really hate -een/ene endings. I much prefer names with an -ette ending like Colette.

I don't get why this is popular. It's kind of boring and I hate the -een ending. Plus in Ireland, you would be made fun of for using it because no one there names their daughter Colleen.

This name makes me think of a blonde, curly-haired girl who can be bossy and have a bad attitude. Now that I say that I will meet a girl with this name and she will be everything but a snot.

Any self respecting Irish person wouldn't touch it. It's a shame American fads have rubbed off.

My name's Colleen and for the longest time I hated it. Now I love it because I've never met another Colleen in my life, I always get compliments on it and it's Irish and I'm from an Irish background. I think this would be a realy nice name for a kid. Also no one has ever called my Coll or Colly. It's always Leeny, Beany and Leeny Lou.

Colleen is a bright, dainty name, but don't consider alternative spellings -- Colleen is lovelier than Colline or Collyne.

Although I usually hate names that end in -een/ene because they remind me of dimwitted, vapid country girls, this name sounds quite nice to me, and it is, hands down, the most bearable -een name. The name sounds a bit old-fashioned, but it reminds me of the acoustic ambient artist that goes by simply Colleen. Nice name, as long as people don't come up with any creative spellings for it.

My father was going to name me Colleen, until my mother (who just came over from County Clare to marry my father) told him that it meant girl. Personally, I feel that if you're Irish, it's kind of degrading. I mean, who wants to be named girl?

Used to not be a big fan of this name, it screams "named after a mother-in-law". It's growing on me now. But it's really quite sweet when said and I think that it will gain popularity in the future.

I actually like the idea of it meaning girl in Irish. I think that it is a very charming and gorgeous name, but I could never use it for any of my daughters because of the large impression put upon it by my friend.

Cool name. Colly can possibly be a nickname for Colleen.

I love this name, because it is kind of Irish, and I love Irish names!

I think this name is very pretty.

I think it's a cool name. Very unique. I've only known of one other Colleen (aside from my cousin) in my life.

I love this name, it is very pretty. I have seen this listed as an Irish/English name.

I love this name. I have a great-aunt named Colleen. I think it's pretty. Also, she/we pronounce it coh-leen, not cah-leen.

Colleen is my middle name, and I like it a lot---but as my middle name. It seems a little old fashined and boring to stand on its own, but something about "Molly Colleen" I really like.

I was originally going to be called Colleen, but I wasn't. Colleen always seemed to me as a devil child name - don't be offended or anything, that's just how I think of it. PS. Vitamin C's name is Colleen

Actually, I take that back now. I met a person named Colleen who is VERY nice, now I like the name. Just goes to show how much that influences your likes and dislikes!