Colleen Lay

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Colleen Lay — Irish
143K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Colleen Lay is a name that combines Irish origins. The first name Colleen is a feminine given name of Irish origin. Colleen is an English-language name of Irish origin. It derives from the Irish word cailín "girl/woman", the diminutive of caile "woman, countrywoman". Although it derives from the Irish language, Colleen as a given name is rare in Ireland, but far more popular in Irish-descended communities in the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. The surname Lay: Alfred Morrison Lay (1836–1879), U.S. politician Beirne Lay, Jr. (1909–1982), American author and World War II aviator Benjamin Lay (1681–1760), English Quaker and abolitionist Bob Lay (1944–2022), Australian sprinter Brandon Lay, American singer-songwriter Caren Lay (born 1972), German politician Carol Lay (born 1952), American author Cecil Howard Lay (1885–1956), English poet Charles Downing Lay (1877–1956), American landscape architect Donald P. Lay (1926–2007), American jurist Elzy Lay (1868–1934), U.S. outlaw George W. Lay (1798-1860), U.S. politician George Tradescant Lay (c. Colleen is a distinctive first name, carried by approximately 143K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Colleen reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Colleen

Irish

Colleen is an English-language name of Irish origin. It derives from the Irish word cailín "girl/woman", the diminutive of caile "woman, countrywoman". Although it derives from the Irish language, Colleen as a given name is rare in Ireland, but far more popular in Irish-descended communities in the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.

Surname: Lay

English

Alfred Morrison Lay (1836–1879), U.S. politician Beirne Lay, Jr. (1909–1982), American author and World War II aviator Benjamin Lay (1681–1760), English Quaker and abolitionist Bob Lay (1944–2022), Australian sprinter Brandon Lay, American singer-songwriter Caren Lay (born 1972), German politician Carol Lay (born 1952), American author Cecil Howard Lay (1885–1956), English poet Charles Downing Lay (1877–1956), American landscape architect Donald P. Lay (1926–2007), American jurist Elzy Lay (1868–1934), U.S. outlaw George W. Lay (1798-1860), U.S. politician George Tradescant Lay (c.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Colleen is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 9%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Colleen by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Colleen Lay:

5
Expression Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

8
Soul Urge Number

Ambition and material success. Represents power, business acumen and the drive to achieve significant goals.

6
Personality Number

Nurturing and responsibility. Associated with care, family values and a strong sense of duty towards loved ones.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Colleen?
The first name Colleen originates from Irish. Colleen is an English-language name of Irish origin. It derives from the Irish word cailín "girl/woman", the diminutive of caile "woman, countrywoman". Although it derives from the Irish language, Colleen as a given name is rare in Ireland, but far more popular in Irish-descended communities in the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.
When was Colleen most popular?
The name Colleen reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Lay?
The surname Lay originates from English. Alfred Morrison Lay (1836–1879), U.S. politician Beirne Lay, Jr. (1909–1982), American author and World War II aviator Benjamin Lay (1681–1760), English Quaker and abolitionist Bob Lay (1944–2022), Australian sprinter Brandon Lay, American singer-songwriter Caren Lay (born 1972), German politician Carol Lay (born 1952), American author Cecil Howard Lay (1885–1956), English poet Charles Downing Lay (1877–1956), American landscape architect Donald P. Lay (1926–2007), American jurist Elzy Lay (1868–1934), U.S. outlaw George W. Lay (1798-1860), U.S. politician George Tradescant Lay (c.
What are the origins of the name Colleen Lay?
The name Colleen Lay combines two different traditions: the first name Colleen has Irish roots, while the surname Lay originates from English.
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