Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Lincoln
BoyEnglish, Latin· “lake colony”
- Meaning
- lake colony
- Origin
- English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- LING-kuhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #69
- US babies 2025
- 4,703
- Best rank
- #40 (2020)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Lincoln
Lincoln is an English and Latin name that means “lake colony”.
Lincoln comes from the name of the English city, which the Romans called Lindum Colonia. Lindum comes from a Brittonic word for a pool or lake, and colonia is Latin for a settlement, so the name roughly means lake colony. It became a surname and then, in the United States, a first name honoring President Abraham Lincoln. For a long time it was used mainly as a tribute, but it has become a mainstream choice with a dignified, historic feel. Linc and Link are friendly nicknames.
Popularity over time
Lincoln has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 145 different years. Its best national rank was #40 in 2020, and the most babies received it in 2017, when 8,202 were named Lincoln. In 2025, 4,703 babies were named Lincoln, and it ranked #69 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #523 in 1920, #739 in 1950, #916 in 1980, #711 in 2000, #199 in 2010, and #69 in 2025. Of the 104,918 US boys named Lincoln since records began, 50% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 33,535 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jaxon, Julian, Grayson, Josiah, and Wyatt.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lincoln ranked highest in Ohio, New Hampshire, and Maine.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | #12 | 343 |
| New Hampshire | #14 | 48 |
| Maine | #17 | 36 |
| Michigan | #18 | 231 |
| Wyoming | #18 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Lincoln over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Lincoln is usually pronounced LING-kuhn, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with L and ends in “-ln”.
Middle names for Lincoln
A few middle names that flow with Lincoln: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lincoln
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Lists that include Lincoln
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lincoln mean?
Lincoln is an English and Latin name that means “lake colony”.
What is the origin of the name Lincoln?
Lincoln has English and Latin roots. Lincoln comes from the name of the English city, which the Romans called Lindum Colonia.
Is Lincoln a popular name?
Yes. Lincoln ranked #69 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Lincoln a boy or girl name?
Lincoln is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Lincoln over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Lincoln?
Lincoln is usually pronounced LING-kuhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings