"lake colony, pool settlement"
Origin: Old English/Latin
Language: English
Lincoln
Pronunciation: [ l-IHNGK-uhn ]
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Presidential strength with a modern edge
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Strong
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The Story of Lincoln
Lincoln derives from the Old English 'Lindum Colonia,' a Roman settlement meaning 'lake colony' or 'pool colony' — Lindum being a Brythonic word for 'lake' and colonia being the Latin term for settlement. The city of Lincoln in England gave rise to the surname Lincoln, most famously carried by Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. In modern times, Lincoln has crossed the gender boundary, following the trend of presidential and presidential-adjacent surnames like Madison, Monroe, and Kennedy being used for girls.
Lincoln for girls began gaining traction in the 2010s alongside similar surname-to-girl's-name crossovers. The trend was fueled by celebrities and the general American fashion of giving girls strong, traditionally masculine names. Lincoln's association with Abraham Lincoln adds gravitas and patriotic appeal.
The name carries enormous symbolic weight in American culture as the surname of President Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president who led the country through the Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Using it for a girl subverts traditional naming conventions while honoring American history.
Historical Record
Lincoln first appeared in US Social Security records in 1985.
Over 1,974 babies have been named Lincoln in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lincoln is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,368 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Lincoln, England has been inhabited since before Roman times and gave the name to the US president
- Lincoln Center in New York City is one of the world's leading performing arts centers
Lincoln in Other Languages
French
Lincoln
Spanish
Lincoln
Japanese
リンカーン
Popularity Over Time
#2,368
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Lincoln with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,368
- Total SSA Count
- 77
- Cultural Origins
- American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Linc
Linnie
Lynn
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lincoln
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Lincoln is also used as a boy name, ranked #73.
View Lincoln as a boy name →Similar Names
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Ancient Greek origin
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Old French via Norman origin
"little Goth, from the Germanic tribe"
#2,186 in US
Zaliyah
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Arabic origin
"high, exalted, sublime"
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Latin (natale domini) origin
"birthday of the Lord"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lincoln
What does the name Lincoln mean?
"lake colony, pool settlement" (from Old English/Latin). Lincoln derives from the Old English 'Lindum Colonia,' a Roman settlement meaning 'lake colony' or 'pool colony' — Lindum being a Brythonic word for 'lake' and colonia being the Latin term for settlement. The city of Lincoln in England gave rise to the surname Lincoln, most famously carried by Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. In modern times, Lincoln has crossed the gender boundary, following the trend of presidential and presidential-adjacent surnames like Madison, Monroe, and Kennedy being used for girls.
What is the origin of the name Lincoln?
Lincoln has Old English/Latin and American origins. In Old English/Latin, it means "lake colony, pool settlement".
Is Lincoln a boy or girl name?
Lincoln is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2368. As a boy name, it is ranked #73. Lincoln is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Lincoln?
Lincoln is pronounced l-IHNGK-uhn.
How popular is the name Lincoln?
Lincoln is currently ranked #2368 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lincoln?
Common nicknames for Lincoln include Linc, Linnie, and Lynn.
What are good middle names for Lincoln?
Popular middle name pairings include Lincoln Mae, Lincoln Rose, Lincoln Grace, Lincoln June, Lincoln Claire, Lincoln Reese, and Lincoln Kate.
What are good sibling names for Lincoln?
Names that pair well with Lincoln as siblings include Harper, Emerson, Kennedy, Reagan, Davis, Monroe, and Blair.
How many syllables does Lincoln have?
Lincoln has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lincoln a common or rare name?
Lincoln is an uncommon name, ranked #2368 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Lincoln
Lincoln is a girl name with American origins . The name means "lake colony, pool settlement" in Old English/Latin .
Is Lincoln a boy or girl name? Lincoln is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,368 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #73. Lincoln is more commonly used as a boy name.
Lincoln is currently ranked #2,368 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lincoln has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-IHNGK-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lincoln include Linc, Linnie, and Lynn. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis