Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Linda
GirlGermanic, Spanish· “pretty (Spanish); from Germanic names”
- Meaning
- pretty (Spanish); from Germanic names
- Origin
- Germanic, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- LIHN-duh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #902
- US babies 2025
- 294
- Best rank
- #1 (1947)
- Peak year
- 1947
Meaning and origin of Linda
Linda is a Germanic and Spanish name that is usually said to mean “pretty (Spanish); from Germanic names”.
Linda began as a short form of medieval Germanic names containing lind, an element that can mean "soft" or "tender" or refer to the linden tree or a shield made of linden wood. In Spanish and Portuguese, linda also means "pretty", and this happy coincidence helped the name spread in the twentieth century. Linda became extremely popular in the United States around the middle of the century, and it is associated with many well-known actresses and singers of that era. It is simple, friendly and melodic. Lindy and Lin are affectionate short forms.
Other spellings with the same sound: Lynda.
Popularity over time
Linda 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 146 different years. Its best national rank was #1 in 1947, the same year it reached its highest count of 99,692 babies. In 2025, 294 babies were named Linda, and it ranked #902 nationally. That is 32% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #353 in 1920, #1 in 1950, #110 in 1980, #357 in 2000, #615 in 2010, and #902 in 2025. Of the 1,455,143 US girls named Linda since records began, 39% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 531,660 babies. Since 2010, 6,342 more have been named Linda.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Barbara, Sandra, and Carol.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Linda ranked highest in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #299 | 37 |
| Kentucky | #542 | 8 |
| North Carolina | #570 | 19 |
| Arkansas | #626 | 5 |
| Arizona | #724 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Linda is usually pronounced LIHN-duh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-da”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Lynda.
Middle names for Linda
A few middle names that flow with Linda: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Linda
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Lists that include Linda
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Linda mean?
Linda is a Germanic and Spanish name that is usually said to mean “pretty (Spanish); from Germanic names”.
What is the origin of the name Linda?
Linda has Germanic and Spanish roots. Linda began as a short form of medieval Germanic names containing lind, an element that can mean "soft" or "tender" or refer to the linden tree or a shield made of linden wood.
Is Linda a popular name?
Yes. Linda ranked #902 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Linda a boy or girl name?
Linda is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Linda?
Linda is usually pronounced LIHN-duh. 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