Girl · 616th of 12,526
Lyn
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
8,772
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1954
Peak Popularity Year
330
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Lyn 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
The name Lyn has its roots in Old English, meaning 'lake' or 'waterfall'. It has evolved from various forms such as Linn and Linda, reflecting a connection to nature. The name gained popularity in the 20th century and is perceived as simple yet elegant, with no significant biblical relevance.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/lɪn/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Lyn is derived from the Old English word 'linn' which means 'lake' or 'waterfall'. It can also be a diminutive form of names such as Linda or Lynne.
Meaning
lake, waterfall
Language Evolution
Linn, Lynne, Linda
Historical Usage
The name Lyn gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a feminine given name and a surname.
Variants & Derivatives
Lynn, Lynda, Lin
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Lyn is seen as a simple and elegant name, often associated with nature and tranquility.
Famous People
Lynne Cheney, Lyn Collins, Lynne Ramsay
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 330 peak births in 1954
Geographic Spread
Popular across 37 US states, with strongest presence in Massachusetts
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 15 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 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3988th of 7545 | 64 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1650th of 6773 | 337 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1172nd of 7552 | 792 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2191st of 10718 | 298 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 7633rd of 16616 | 65 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 4361st of 9107 | 76 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1085th of 9204 | 858 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 616th of 12526 | 4,380 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1270th of 19264 | 1,415 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4632nd of 27321 | 309 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 11442nd of 35406 | 128 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 16328th of 30306 | 45 |