Origin & Meaning of the Collins Surname
What does the last name Collins mean?
The surname Collins carries the meaning "Son of Collins." It is derived from the Irish Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 329,770 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Collins ranks as the #59 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Collins come from?
The Collins surname has its roots in Irish/English heritage. Names of Irish/English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Collins name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Collins trace back to Irish Gaelic. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Collins |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Collins |
| Origin | Irish/English |
| Language | Irish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #59 |
| US Count (2010) | 329,770 |
| Per 100K People | 111.79 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Collins
According to the US Census, the Collins surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 329,770 Americans with the Collins last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 71.61% |
| Black | 22.43% |
| Hispanic | 2.47% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.77% |
| Two or More Races | 2.23% |
Popularity of Collins Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Collins surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Collins surname increased by 11,922 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Collins Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Collins ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Collins Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Collins
- ✓ The Collins coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Collins families live today
- ✓ Notable Collins bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Collins
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Collins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Collins
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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