How dated is Colin?

[insidejobb]

We are trying to choose a name for our first baby which will be a boy. We are almost set on Colin and have made the mistake of telling other people. Most of them have asked whether we are having a baby or an 80 year old man and making comments about how dated it is. One of my friends even said "who looks at a baby and think it looks like a Colin?"

I like to think it's a very traditional and timeless name and I know comments could be worse but they still get to me.

What are your thoughts on it?

Oh no, awful name sorry - don't do it!

I like it. Cute and cool and original at this time.

He’s hot.

I saw a toddler Colin in the garden centre yesterday!

We have a Goldfish called Colin

@Cismyfatarse

What about Callum instead? Gaelic version?

Cailean is Scottish Gaelic for Colin. It is from 'young dog' - cuilean.

Callan is quite common round here (Central Scotland) and sounds to me like a more modern Colin. But I'm married to a Colin and he's the only one I know. I think it's a great name.

😂 That he certainly isn't.

Actually I do know another Colin and he's practically family, but he goes by a nickname so I had forgotten!

Despite some sexy, cool Colin's out there, the name conjures up a very specific image for me and it's akin to someone who dresses like Roy Cropper and has taped every episode of Time Team off the telly and takes holidays that involve going on classic railway journeys, usually on a steam train.

Not that there's anything wrong with that (I love a steam train) but I personally wouldn't saddle a baby with those connotations.

Don't understand the 'my pet is called Colin' comments. Trust me, that doesn't put me off the name as I am never going to meet you so it doesn't really affect me what your dog or goldfish is called. We don't have anyone with a pet named Colin so I think we are safe.

Roy cropper came to my mind too!

I used to know a Colin who was nicknamed Colon. Not in a friendly way.

I think people are saying that it's a name more suited to an animal rather than that they think you're likely to meet?

It’s the worst of those type of names. Pps have mentioned Alan or Martin but they are much better than Colin.

Sorry, but it's the blandest most boring name I can think of. It reminds me of a retired man in beige slacks trimming his front hedge.

I like it. Colin Firth, Colin Farrell, Colin Jackson, loads of other famous Colins. It may help that I'm Scottish and it's a Scottish name.

No more of a dated or old man name than Stanley, Arthur, Archie, Ronnie, or many other older names. If you like it , that is what matters, I think children tend to grow into their names anyway.

Can’t believe I didn’t think of Colin Firth as well!! Great name. I’m a fan.

Awful, please don’t call your lovely new baby boy Colin. @Cheekyweegobshite haha I know a dog called Dave

Sorry OP but it did make me chuckle when I read your title. Saying that if you actually love the name then go for it. Maybe you’ll be ahead of the trend. There was a Kevin thread on here recently which surprisingly got a lot of positive comments. Maybe consider Callum though as a pp suggested, which I really like actually. Good luck.

I know a late-30s Colin and was surprised upon meeting him. Same with a same-ages Nigel. However I think Collin is v popular in the states for kids and I think it’s a cooler version. Trevor is apparently a cool name in the states too. I know a 6 y/o Derrick and a 6 y/o Desmond!!

I really like it. Think due a comeback

And a 10 year old Ian, actually!!!

Very dated. Like Malcolm, Keith and Nigel.

OP , people will have an opinion on whatever you choose , so don’t take any notice .
My MIL laughed out loud when we told her our first born was called Charlie , and asked us what he was really going to called!?
I rest my case.

As others have said, names come and go. Back in the early 90s I had a hard job to keep a straight face when another mother told me her new baby was going to be called Audrey. Audrey for me was an old lady name. My mum had friends and colleagues called Audrey, I didn't.

One day at the medical centre the appointment indicator said something like 'Arthur Williams to go to Room 4' and to my utter astonishment the patient getting up was not an 80yo man, it was a toddler with his mum. I'd never met an Arthur before who wasn't 30+ years older than me.

Ronnie, Betty, Stanley, Alfie, Edie, Effie - all old people's names until very recently. Why shouldn't Colin have a resurgence? I hope Nigel will follow. That's another one I like but nobody else does.