Boy · 55th of 23,106
Lincoln
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
102,155
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2017
Peak Popularity Year
8,441
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Lincoln stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Lincoln is an Old English name derived from the Latin 'Lindum Colonia', meaning 'lake or pool settlement'. It evolved through historical forms including Lindum and Lindum Colonia. The name is associated with traits of leadership and integrity, particularly influenced by Abraham Lincoln. There is no biblical relevance. The name gained significant popularity in the 19th century and continues to be perceived positively today.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈlɪŋ.kən/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Lincoln originates from the Latin 'Lindum Colonia', which referred to a Roman settlement in Britain. The name itself is derived from the Celtic word 'lind', meaning 'lake' or 'pool', combined with the Latin 'colonia', meaning 'settlement'.
Meaning
lake or pool settlement
Language Evolution
Lindum, Lindum Colonia, Lincoln
Historical Usage
The name Lincoln gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, due to the influence of President Abraham Lincoln.
Variants & Derivatives
Linc, Link
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Lincoln is often associated with leadership, integrity, and the ideals of democracy, largely due to the legacy of Abraham Lincoln.
Famous People
Abraham Lincoln, Robert Todd Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Consistently Rising
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 8,441 peak births in 2017
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 5 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 526th of 7545 | 2,132 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 665th of 6773 | 1,594 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 733rd of 7552 | 1,894 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 746th of 10718 | 1,931 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 843rd of 16616 | 2,220 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 313th of 24088 | 16,279 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 55th of 23106 | 73,876 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 12556th of 27321 | 61 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 8858th of 35406 | 190 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1532nd of 30306 | 1,723 |