COLLINS Surname Meaning & Origin: 1) A double diminutive of Nicholas (in England). 2) From cuilein, darling, a term of endearment applied to young animals. 3) In the Welsh, Collen signifies hazel--a hazel-grove. 4) The Gaelic version of the name COLLINS name is O' Coileain, coileÃ¡in which means a young. dog