top Scottish boy's names

[kingandrew]

In the US, the pronunciation of "Colin" varies. As you note, General Colin Powell is a "ko-lin." Meanwhile Colin Firth is a "caw-lin."

I don't know that there is any rhyme or reason to the variation.

In addition, the spelling "Collins" with an S is not only a common surname, but is not infrequently used as a given name itself.

Another thing that varies is the spelling of "Alan." My brother is an Alan one, but Allan and Allen both see use as given and surnames. One of the most famous American authors is Edgar Allan Poe.

So, in answer to your question about whether Americans say it this way or that way, I can only respond, "Yes, we say it both ways."

Andrew