Collen

Collen is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó Cuileáin. The name means "descendant of Cuileán." Cuileán is a personal name thought to be derived from cuileann, meaning "holly tree."

The surname Collen is found primarily in Ireland, particularly in County Cork and County Limerick. Variations of the name include Cullen, Cullinane, Cullinan, and other anglicized forms.

Historically, families bearing the Collen surname were often associated with particular regions and clans within Ireland. While a specific, universally acknowledged clan affiliation may not exist for all Collens, research into specific family lineages can often reveal connections to broader Irish clan structures.

The distribution of the Collen surname outside of Ireland is primarily due to emigration, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. Significant populations of people with the Collen surname can now be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Beyond its etymological and genealogical aspects, "Collen" has no widely recognized independent meaning or association in fields such as science, technology, or art, outside of its role as a personal or family name.