Linda: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced LIN-duh · 2 syllables
Linda means “tender, soft; gentle, mild”, from Germanic.
Latinised short form of Germanic compound names ending in -lind, -linde (“tender, soft”) (English -inda), such as Sieglinde and Dietlinde, and earlier names such as Old High German Irmilinda and Old Dutch Frithelind, from Proto-Germanic *linthaz (“gentle, mild”), whence also Old English lithe (“gentle, mild, pliable, limber”) (English lithe).
- Meaning
- tender, soft; gentle, mild
- Origin
- Germanic
- Pronunciation
- LIN-duh
- US rank (2025)
- #902
- US babies a year
- about 348 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1940
- Style
- Vintage
How popular is Linda?
Linda was the #902 name in the US in 2025, given to 294 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 31% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1940.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #902 |
| Ireland | #690 |
| France | #702 |
| Canada | #826 |
| Australia | #337 |
How old are people named Linda?
Half of US adults named Linda are older than 72; most are between 49 and 83. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Linda
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Linda have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Linda
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Linda
What does the name Linda mean?
Linda means “tender, soft; gentle, mild”. It comes from Germanic.
How do you pronounce Linda?
Linda is pronounced LIN-duh.
How popular is the name Linda?
Linda was the #902 name in the US in 2025, given to 294 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 31% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1940.
How old are people named Linda?
Half of US adults named Linda are older than 72. Most are between 49 and 83.