Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Linus
BoyGreek, Latin· “flax”
- Meaning
- flax
- Origin
- Greek, Latin
- Pronunciation
- LY-nus
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,913
- US babies 2025
- 82
- Best rank
- #625 (1882)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Linus
Linus is a Greek and Latin name that is usually said to mean “flax”.
Linus comes from the Greek Linos, a figure of Greek mythology, a musician said in some accounts to be a son of Apollo, who taught music to Heracles. The name is often linked to the Greek word for flax. Paul mentions a Linus in his second letter to Timothy, and tradition identifies him with Saint Linus, the early bishop of Rome who succeeded Peter. The name is also known through the chemist Linus Pauling and the blanket-holding character in Peanuts. Linus has a scholarly, friendly feel.
Popularity over time
Linus first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 16 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #625 in 1882, and the most babies received it in 2017, when 166 were named Linus. In 2025, 82 babies were named Linus, and it ranked #1,913 nationally. That is 50% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #936 in 1920, #1,382 in 1950, #2,799 in 1980, #2,113 in 2000, #1,420 in 2010, and #1,913 in 2025. Of the 5,342 US boys named Linus since records began, 26% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 693 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ruger, Ayven, Smith, Oskar, and Ishmael.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Linus ranked highest in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | #599 | 8 |
| Minnesota | #687 | 7 |
| Michigan | #1207 | 5 |
| Illinois | #1221 | 6 |
| California | #2109 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Linus is usually pronounced LY-nus, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-us”.
Middle names for Linus
A few middle names that flow with Linus: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Linus
Similar names
Demetrius Boy
dih-MEE-tree-uhs
“follower of Demeter” · Greek
#1,229
Titus Boy
TY-tuhs
“uncertain; a Roman given name” · Latin
#358
Lucas Boy
LOO-kuhs
“man from Lucania” · Latin
#10
Silas Boy
SY-luhs
“of the forest” · Latin
#71
Lucius Boy
LOO-shuhs
“light” · Latin
#1,129
Lazarus Boy
LAZ-uh-ruhs
“God has helped” · Hebrew
#1,143
Zacchaeus Boy
za-KEE-us
“pure, innocent” · Hebrew
#2,389
Cyrus Boy
SY-ruhs
“uncertain; name of a Persian king” · Persian
#268
Thaddeus Boy
THAD-ee-uhs
Aramaic
#798
Magnus Boy
MAG-nuhs
“great” · Latin
#765
Stefan Boy
STEH-fahn
“crown, wreath” · Greek
#1,023
Atreus Boy
AY-tree-uhs
“often said fearless” · Greek
#582
Lists that include Linus
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Linus mean?
Linus is a Greek and Latin name that is usually said to mean “flax”.
What is the origin of the name Linus?
Linus has Greek and Latin roots. Linus comes from the Greek Linos, a figure of Greek mythology, a musician said in some accounts to be a son of Apollo, who taught music to Heracles.
Is Linus a popular name?
Not especially. Linus ranked #1,913 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Linus a boy or girl name?
Linus is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Linus?
Linus is usually pronounced LY-nus. 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