Collins History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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.