Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Lynn
GirlWelsh, English· “lake”
- Meaning
- lake
- Origin
- Welsh, English
- Pronunciation
- LIHN
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #2,558
- US babies 2025
- 69
- Best rank
- #58 (1956)
- Peak year
- 1956
Meaning and origin of Lynn
Lynn is a Welsh and English name that is usually said to mean “lake”.
Lynn comes from the Welsh llyn, meaning lake, and it was originally a place name and surname. As a given name it became popular in the mid-twentieth century, often as a middle name or as a short form of names like Linda and Carolyn. It has a gentle, soft sound and a simple, classic feel. King's Lynn in Norfolk takes its name from the same Celtic word for a pool, and the name has been used for both boys and girls, including the actress Lynn Redgrave.
Other spellings with the same sound: Lynne, Lyn, Linn, Lin, Linh.
Popularity over time
Lynn 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 90 different years. Its best national rank was #58 in 1956, the same year it reached its highest count of 7,736 babies. In 2025, 69 babies were named Lynn, and it ranked #2,558 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #927 in 1920, #76 in 1950, #253 in 1980, #1,185 in 2000, #1,838 in 2010, and #2,558 in 2025. Of the 182,387 US girls named Lynn since records began, 36% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 51,931 babies. Since 2010, 1,309 more have been named Lynn.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Wanda, Vickie, Ann, Leslie, and Diana.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lynn ranked highest in Pennsylvania, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #1328 | 6 |
| California | #2407 | 8 |
| Texas | #3609 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 83% of US babies named Lynn over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Lynn is usually pronounced LIHN, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-nn”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Lynne, Lyn, Linn, and Lin.
Middle names for Lynn
A few middle names that flow with Lynn: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lynn
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Lists that include Lynn
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lynn mean?
Lynn is a Welsh and English name that is usually said to mean “lake”.
What is the origin of the name Lynn?
Lynn has Welsh and English roots. Lynn comes from the Welsh llyn, meaning lake, and it was originally a place name and surname.
Is Lynn a popular name?
Not especially. Lynn ranked #2,558 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Lynn a boy or girl name?
Lynn is mainly a girl's name. About 83% of US babies named Lynn over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Lynn?
Lynn is usually pronounced LIHN. 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