The name colleen is of irish origin and is derived from the irish word cailín, which means girl or young woman. it is a diminutive form of the irish word, emphasizing youth and endearment.Is your given name, colleen, a first in your family tree?Part of a cultural tradition?Ancestry® can tell you your first name’s origins plus its meaning.Colleen is an english-language name of irish origin.It derives from the irish word cailín girl/woman, the diminutive of caile woman, countrywoman.The name colleen is of irish origin and is derived from the irish word cailín, which means girl or young woman. it is a feminine name that conveys youthfulness, innocence, and purity.