Lincoln: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced LING-kuhn · 2 syllables
Lincoln means “town by the lake”, from English.
Inherited from Middle English Lincolne, from Old English Lincolle, Lindcolen, Lindcylene, from Latin Lindum Colonia (“the Roman settlement Lindum Colonia”), from Proto-Brythonic *ll nn (“pool”), from Proto-Celtic *lindos (“lake, liquid”), in reference to the Brayford. In the United States, many of the places established since 1865 are named after Abraham Lincoln.
- Meaning
- town by the lake
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- LING-kuhn
- US rank (2025)
- #69
- US babies a year
- about 5,398 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2010
How popular is Lincoln?
Lincoln was the #69 name in the US in 2025, given to 4,778 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #69 |
| England & Wales | #149 |
| Scotland | #261 |
| Northern Ireland | #252 |
| Ireland | #417 |
| Canada | #83 |
| Australia | #56 |
How old are people named Lincoln?
Half of US adults named Lincoln are older than 26; most are between 18 and 74. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Lincoln
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Lincoln
What does the name Lincoln mean?
Lincoln means “town by the lake”. It comes from English.
How do you pronounce Lincoln?
Lincoln is pronounced LING-kuhn.
How popular is the name Lincoln?
Lincoln was the #69 name in the US in 2025, given to 4,778 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.
How old are people named Lincoln?
Half of US adults named Lincoln are older than 26. Most are between 18 and 74.