The nameLin
Lin is a short name used in Chinese, Scandinavian and English speaking families.
- Unisex name
- Chinese and European
Meaning
Lin is a common Chinese name element, often meaning "forest". In Europe it is also a short form of Linda or Linnea.
Origin
Chinese and European.
History
In the United States Lin reached 1233rd place for boys in 1898 and 1667th for girls in 1952.
Famous people named Lin
- Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer
Popularity of the name Lin
Lin in the United States
Lin was most popular in the United States in the 1950s, with 474 births over the decade, 25% of all recorded babies named Lin. Its rise began around 1916, and it peaked in 1959. Half of all babies named Lin in the United States were born before 1959, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name.
Lin in France
Lin was most popular in France in the 1930s, with 135 births over the decade, 20% of all recorded babies named Lin. Half of all babies named Lin in France were born before 1937, so it is mostly a great-grandparents' generation name.
Variants and related names
How many people are named Lin? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Lin with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Lin side by side with the name of your choice.
Lin in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lin mean?
Lin is a common Chinese name element, often meaning "forest". In Europe it is also a short form of Linda or Linnea.
What is the origin of the name Lin?
Chinese and European.
Is Lin a girl's or a boy's name?
Lin is a unisex name, given to both girls and boys. In the United States, 54% of the babies named Lin are girls.
How popular is the name Lin?
In 2024, Lin was the 14198th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 6 births.
What are the variants of the name Lin?
Variants and related names of Lin include Linda.
Who are famous people named Lin?
Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer.