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 has been a popular choice for newborns in the United States over the past century and a half. Between 1880 and 2023, there were a total of 52,358 births with the first name Lynn.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of Lynn births fluctuated between a low of 17 in 1888 to a high of 67 in 1909. However, it was not until the mid-1930s that the name began to gain significant popularity. Between 1934 and 1950, the number of Lynn births more than doubled, from 564 in 1934 to a peak of 1,670 in 1951.
The popularity of the name continued to rise throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with over 1,000 Lynn births recorded each year between 1952 and 1969. However, the number of Lynn births began to decline in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with fewer than 400 Lynn births recorded annually from 1973 onwards.
Despite this decline, Lynn has remained a relatively popular name for newborn girls in recent years. Between 2000 and 2023, there were an average of 25 Lynn births per year in the United States. While this is significantly lower than the peak popularity of the name in the mid-20th century, it demonstrates that Lynn continues to be a widely-used and well-liked name for girls.
In conclusion, the name Lynn has had a rich history of popularity in the United States over the past 143 years. While its popularity has waxed and waned over time, Lynn has consistently been a popular choice for parents naming their daughters, with over 52,000 births recorded since 1880.