Colm
From Irish Colm, from Late Latin Columba (literally “dove”), the name of a sixth century saint, one of the patron saints of Ireland and Scotland.
Every Colm since 1962 — 662 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Colm
Colm is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #6,881 in 2025 with 12 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1962, 662 American babies have been named Colm. Its peak came in 2007, when 28 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2000s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Colm stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Colm year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | #6,881 |
| 2024 | 14 | #6,248 |
| 2023 | 19 | #5,107 |
| 2022 | 18 | #5,252 |
| 2021 | 13 | #6,397 |
| 2020 | 8 | #8,899 |
| 2019 | 16 | #5,610 |
| 2018 | 11 | #7,222 |
| 2017 | 14 | #6,105 |
| 2016 | 28 | #3,792 |
| 2015 | 13 | #6,398 |
| 2014 | 10 | #7,658 |
| 2013 | 15 | #5,714 |
| 2012 | 13 | #6,385 |
| 2011 | 10 | #7,609 |
| 2010 | 15 | #5,793 |
| 2009 | 10 | #7,798 |
| 2008 | 11 | #7,292 |
| 2007 | 28 | #3,705 |
| 2006 | 19 | #4,709 |
| 2005 | 19 | #4,502 |
| 2004 | 20 | #4,291 |
| 2003 | 26 | #3,457 |
| 2002 | 16 | #4,741 |
| 2001 | 18 | #4,330 |
| 2000 | 22 | #3,656 |
| 1995 | 13 | #4,558 |
| 1990 | 9 | #5,458 |
| 1985 | 5 | #6,715 |
| 1980 | — | — |
| 1975 | 7 | #4,399 |
| 1970 | 6 | #4,331 |
| 1965 | 9 | #2,826 |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | — | — |
| 1950 | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — |
| 1925 | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Colm
- Colm Feore Actor · b. 1958
- Colm Meaney Actor · b. 1953
- Colm Tóibín Writer · b. 1955
- Colm Wilkinson Actor · b. 1944
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Colm mean?
From Irish Colm, from Late Latin Columba (literally “dove”), the name of a sixth century saint, one of the patron saints of Ireland and Scotland.
How popular is the name Colm in 2025?
Colm ranked #6,881 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 12 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Colm?
662 babies have been named Colm in the United States since 1962, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Colm most popular?
Colm peaked in 2007, when 28 newborns received the name.
Is Colm a boy or girl name?
Colm is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Colm rising or falling?
Colm is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Colm?
Well-known people named Colm include Colm Feore (actor), Colm Meaney (actor), Colm Tóibín (writer).