Collings Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Collings come from? What does the surname Collings mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Collings and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Collings Origin: What does the last name Collings mean?
The surname Collings has an Olde English origin with two possible meanings. It could be derived from the Norse name 'Cola', meaning swarthy or dark, or from 'Coll', a diminutive of Nicholas, meaning 'victory of the people'. Collings first appeared in English records in the early 20th century and has historical ties to England, Australia, and the United States, indicating a global spread over the centuries.
YourRoots data confirms the prominence of the Collings surname in England by the 20th century, with significant records also found in Australia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. The surname is present in various countries, including South Africa, Ireland, and Scotland, showcasing its widespread distribution and enduring legacy.
Collings Last Name History: Where did the last name Collings come from?
Origin of Collings Surname: Where does the last name Collings originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Collings first appeared in records from England around the early 20th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Collings spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Collings: What does the Collings surname history look like in the early days?
The Collings surname remained closely associated with England from the 17th to the 19th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Collings family records in countries like Australia and the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Collings surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Collings surname grew significantly in England. The Collings surname remains prominent in Australia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. It appears in many countries, including South Africa, Ireland, and Scotland.
Explore Collings last name heritage and Collings surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Collings Surame?
David Collings
David John Collings (June 4, 1940 – March 23, 2020) was an English actor known for his extensive career on stage, television, film, and radio. He gained a following through his roles in cult sci-fi series like Doctor Who, Sapphire & Steel, and Blake's 7, as well as voicing characters in adaptations of Tolkien's works. Collings also appeared in historical dramas and children's television, showcasing his versatile acting skills. With a strong presence in theatre, he was praised for his performances in Shakespearean plays and contemporary works. His legacy lives on through his memorable contributions to entertainment.
Matthew Collings
Matthew Collings (born 1955) is a British art critic, writer, broadcaster, and artist. He is known for his work in the art world, including his role as editor of Artscribe and his TV series "This is Modern Art." Collings has written books and presented documentaries on various artists and art movements, earning a Bafta for his contributions to art on television. Collaborating with his wife, Emma Biggs, they curate art exhibitions and create paintings together. Collings continues to be a prominent figure in the art scene, with ongoing projects and a regular column as an art critic for the Evening Standard.
Marie Collings
Marie Collings (née Allaire; 1791–1853) was a wealthy Guernsey heiress who briefly ruled as Dame of Sark, an island in the English Channel. She inherited her fortune from her father, privateer John Allaire, and purchased the seigneurie of Sark from the ruling family. Despite never actively governing the island, her family continues to hold the title through her descendants. Collings' son, William Thomas Collings, later succeeded her as seigneur. Her legacy lives on through her family's connection to the historic island of Sark.
William Frederick Collings
William Frederick Collings (1852 – 20 June 1927) was the seigneur of Sark known for his eccentricities, anti-clericalism, and generosity. Despite neglecting his military responsibilities, he was admired for his sailing and shooting skills. His tumultuous family life included raising his daughters as boys and clashing with his heiress presumptive over her marriage. In old age, he softened his ways and relinquished his demands on his subjects. Collings' legacy lives on through his daughter, who succeeded him and restored seigneurial rights. He was described as insubordinate yet generous, leaving behind a complex and intriguing reputation.
Michael R. Collings
Michael Robert Collings (born October 29, 1947) is an American writer, poet, literary critic, and bibliographer. He is known for his poetry collections on subjects like Latter Day Saint theology, science fiction, and horror. Collings has published critiques and bibliographies of notable authors such as Orson Scott Card and Stephen King. He received the Grand Master Award from the World Horror Convention in 2016. Collings taught creative writing and literature at Pepperdine University and has written extensively on various literary figures. He continues to be a prominent figure in the literary world, with his son also pursuing a career in fantasy and horror writing.
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