Linda
How to say it: LIN-duh · /ˈlɪndə/
From Germanic 'lind' meaning 'soft' or 'tender'; reinforced by Spanish 'linda' meaning 'beautiful'.
Linda was the 772nd most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 294 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1940s, its births are down about 30% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #842 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #772 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 294 |
| Share of births | 1 in 10,232 |
| Peak decade | 1940s |
| Change over 10 years | −30% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #842 |
| In France, 2025 | #496 among girls’ names, 50 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Once a defining name of the 1940s, Linda has faded steadily. Now far below that high, further softening seems likely.
What goes with it
Gentle and soft with a crisp edge, Linda feels calm and familiar. Susan shares its style.
Nicknames
- Lin
- Lindy
Other spellings
Honouring a Linda in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Linda is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish.
In France: #496 for girls in 2025.
Famous people named Linda
- Linda B. Buck (born 1947)American biologist
- Linda Hamilton (born 1956)American actress
- Linda Ronstadt (born 1946)American singer
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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