This ship was named after Vice-Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood who was Nelson's second in command at the battle of Trafalgar. Vice-Admiral Collingwood was the brother of Edward Collingwood's great-grandfather, and it was no coincidence that Collingwood served on HMS Collingwood for special arrangements had been made for this to happen.
Ang barko ay pinangalanang matapos Vice-admiral Cuthbert Collingwood na Nelson's sa ikalawang utos sa labanan ng Trafalgar. Bise-admiral Collingwood ay ang kapatid na lalaki ng Edward Collingwood's lolo sa tuhod, at ito ay walang pagkakataon na Collingwood served sa HMS Collingwood para sa espesyal na pagsasaayos na ginawa para sa mga ito upang mangyari.