The name Collins dates back to the Anglo-Saxons, it was derived from the personal name Nicholas, a common diminutive of the name Nicholas was Colin. The name was first found in Shropshire, a shire in the western part of England, where they were seated before the Norman conquest. They were Lords of the Manor, having large estates in the shire. Shropshire was administrated by a High Sheriff from the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066.
The earliest Collins I can find mention of is Aaron Collins in 1210 in Ireland. He appears to have come to Ireland with the Viking invasion and was a warrior, pehaps some sort of commander, since he was given land and title which was latter passed on to his descendants. A latter Collins would be appointed Sheriff of Maidstone, England. There are six more Collins born before the first Collins of record 16gg David Collins was born around 1363 in Ireland. His wife to be 16gg Sarah Finley was also born around 1363 in Ireland. They were married in London in 1395. Six more Collins ancestors would be born before John Collins ( more about them in furure post).
In 1569 11gg John Collins was born near Maidstone England. He married Margaret Weeks (she was of noble birth more about her in future post). King Charles I granted John Collins Keeper of The Gaol of Maidstone, Sheriff in 1631. His son John would marry Elizabeth Caulfield (her father was Major W. Caulfield more about in later post). They would have a son William 1612-1705 who would marry Ann King 1620-1687, they would come to America.
Collins Families 