Lynn is a name of English origin that has gained popularity as both a first and middle name for girls in recent years. The name Lynn is derived from the medieval English surname Lyn or Lyne, which itself comes from the Old English word "hlinc" meaning "twig" or "young branch." This derivation suggests that the name was originally given to people who lived near branches of rivers or other bodies of water.
In medieval times, Lynn was primarily used as a surname for people whose families were associated with places named Lynne or Lyne. However, over time, the name began to be used more frequently as a given name for girls. Today, Lynn is often chosen by parents who appreciate its simple and straightforward sound, as well as its historical roots.
One notable figure in history associated with the name Lynn is the American poet and abolitionist Sarah Moore Grimké (1792-1873), who was also known by her middle name, Lyndon. While not an exact match, this variation of the name offers further insight into how Lynn has been used throughout history.
Overall, Lynn is a name with a rich historical background that continues to appeal to parents today thanks to its unique origin and timeless sound.
The name Lynn had a significant peak in popularity around the late 1930s to early 1940s, with over 800 births per year from 1937 to 1942, reaching its highest point at 1394 births in 1942. However, after World War II, there was a steady decline in the usage of the name Lynn, dropping below 1000 births per year by 1956 and continuing to decrease until it reached an all-time low of 12 births in 2020. Overall, from 1880 to 2023, there were a total of 52,358 births with the name Lynn.