Linus is a name of Latin origin, derived from the word "linum," which means "flax." Flax is a plant from which linen is made. The name Linus has been used since ancient times and was borne by several early saints in the Christian church.
The most famous bearer of the name Linus was Saint Linus, who was believed to be the second bishop of Rome after Saint Peter. According to tradition, Saint Linus served as pope from around 67 AD until his martyrdom around 76 AD. His feast day is celebrated on September 23rd.
In literature, the name Linus appears in Homer's Odyssey, where he is described as a wise and just king of the island of Drepanum. In more recent times, the name has gained popularity due to its use in the comic strip "Peanuts" by Charles Schulz. The character Linus van Pelt is known for his love of his blanket and his philosophical musings.
Despite its historical significance and literary appearances, Linus remains a relatively uncommon name today. It is sometimes used as a middle name or given name for boys and has also been occasionally used as a girl's name in some cultures.
In conclusion, the name Linus is of Latin origin and means "flax." It has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with notable bearers including Saint Linus and characters from literature. While not widely used today, it remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something different.
The name Linus experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, with over 200 births per year between 1912 and 1926. However, it began declining thereafter, dropping below 40 births per year by the mid-1930s. It remained relatively stable until the late 1980s when it started to increase again, reaching over 100 births per year in the early 2000s and peaking at 166 births in 2017. Despite a slight dip since then, Linus continues to be a popular name with around 100-150 births per year currently.