Collins History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Collins

What does the name Collins mean?

Although Collins is a common English name, Collins is also an indigenous Irish name, derived from the Irish Gaelic “O’Coileain.”

Early Origins of the Collins family

The surname Collins was first found in North Desmond the ancient Kingdom of Deis Muin (Desmond), located on the southwest coast of Ireland in the province of Munster, later part of County Limerick, where they were lords of the baronies of Connello and lords of Eighter Conghalach (Lower Connello). By the 13th century, they had moved south and settled in West Cork, having been driven out of their original territories by the Geraldines.

Collins Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Collins, Colins, O’Cullane, Cullane and others.

Early Notables of the Collins family

• Father Dominic Collins (1553-1602), leader of the Confederate Catholic army, hanged at Dublin castle
• Seán O Coileán, or John Collins (1754-1817), Irish poet

Collins World Ranking

the United States, the name Collins is the 50^th most popular surname with an estimated 333,258 people with that name. 1 However, in Canada, the name Collins is ranked the 123^rd most popular surname with an estimated 25,134 people with that name. 2 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Collins is the 940^th popular surname. 3 Newfoundland, Canada ranks Collins as 26^th with 706 people. 4 France ranks Collins as 7,435^th with 1,000 – 1,500 people. 5 Australia ranks Collins as 51^st with 38,969 people. 6 New Zealand ranks Collins as 72^nd with 4,731 people. 7 The United Kingdom ranks Collins as 63^rd with 71,214 people. 8 South Africa ranks Collins as 890^th with 7,808 people. 9

 Collins migration to the United States+

Collins Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

• Susan Collins, aged 40, who arrived in Virginia in 1613 aboard the ship “Treasurer” 11
• John Collins, who landed in Virginia in 1620 aboard the ship “Supply” 11
• Peter Collins, British servant who landed in Virginia in 1621 aboard the ship “Addam” 11
• Robert Collins, who arrived in Virginia in 1622-1623 11
• Josias Collins, who landed in Virginia in 1622 11