Surname Collings - Meaning and Origin
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Collings: What does the surname Collings mean?
The surname Collings is of English origin. It is a patronymic form of the personal name Collin, which is a diminutive of Nicholas. Thus, the surname could essentially mean "son of Collin" or "son of Nicholas". Nicholas is of Greek origin, and it means 'victory of the people'. The surname Collings has been in use since the medieval period, and it was particularly popular during the 12th and 13th centuries in England.
One of the earliest recordings of this surname dates back to 1327 in the Sussex Subsidy Rolls where one Roger Colyns was listed. Different variations of the surname have developed over the centuries, including Collins, Collin, Colling, Collinson, and Collis, among others. However, the form Collings remains largely restricted to the counties of Devon and Dorset in Southwest England.
Keep in mind that surnames can have multiple origins, and the meaning can slightly change based on regional and cultural contexts. So, the interpretation given here may not be exhaustive or universally applicable.
Order DNA origin analysisCollings: Where does the name Collings come from?
The last name Collings is of English origin. It is a patronymic derivative of the given name Colin, a short form of the medieval Nicholas. The name eventually turned into Colling in medieval English and the suffix "-s" was added, indicating "son of". So, Collings can be interpreted as "son of Colin".
In the early times, the name was predominantly found in the English county of Cornwall. The earliest known records of the name date back to the 13th century in this region. Apart from Cornwall, the name also appeared in other parts of England over time, notably in Devon and Somerset.
Today, the name Collings is quite widespread, with noteworthy populations in the United States, England, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand among others. It is relatively more common in English-speaking countries, but there are noteworthy bearers of the name in various countries around the world. In England, it is still quite prevalent in its historical birthplace of Cornwall, as well as in different parts of the country. Nevertheless, the distribution of the Collings last name is considerably global in the modern era due to historical immigration and diaspora.
Variations of the surname Collings
The surname Collings has various common variants, alternative spellings, and related surnames pointing towards the same origins. These include Collins, Collin, Collinson, Collinge, and Collis. The name primarily comes from Anglo-Saxon roots, derived from "Cola" (meaning dark, black, or coal) and the suffix "-ing" indicating "people or descendants of." The Collins variant is the most popular and frequently used.
In terms of spellings, adding an extra 'l' or 's' is common, resulting in versions like Collinns, Collingss, or Collinss. Other notable spellings include Kollings in Germany, Colin in France, and Cullen in Ireland. Incorporating regional accents and dialects, someone called Collins might have their name recorded as Cullins, Cullings, or even Coulings. Moreover, name changes often occurred when families emigrated – a Collins family moving from Ireland to the US might be recorded as Kollins or O'Collins.
It must be noted that surnames' variations arise due to illiteracy or transcription errors made by immigration officers or census workers. The multiple spellings reflect the phonetics of the name as understood by different people with different backgrounds and accents.
Famous people with the name Collings
- Sue Collis: A British millionaire businesswoman and entrepreneur known for her Spa Business worldwide.
- James Collis: An English cricketer who played for Sussex and Essex counties.
- Clifton A. C. Collis: A notable Australian soldier and a recipient of the Victoria Cross.
- Phil Collis: An English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Derbyshire.
- Michael Collis: An English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Warwickshire.
- Walter Collis: An English footballer who played for the likes of West Ham United, Huddersfield Town, and York City.
- Nick Collis: An English footballer who had stints with Colchester United and Bristol Rovers.
- David Collis: A versatile actor who has done films, TV shows, and theater.
- Steve Collis: A former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs.
- Kim Collis: A former Australian rules footballer who played for Fitzroy.
- Jason Collis: A former professional rugby league footballer who played as a centre or five-eighth.
- Mena Suvari: Born Menasuvari Collis, she is an American actress, fashion designer, and model who gained international fame for her roles in both "American Pie" and "American Beauty".
- Andrew Collis: An Australian opera singer.