"flax, linen plant"
Origin: Latin
Language: Italian
Lino
Pronunciation: [ l-EEN-oh ]
Does Lino flow with your last name?
A crisp Italian classic with ancient musical roots
Italian
Spanish
Portuguese
Brazilian
Classic
Earthy
Minimalist
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"short form of Linus or Paulino"
Origin: Italian
Language: Italian
"melody, song (mythological)"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
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The Story of Lino
Lino is an Italian and Portuguese short form of names like Linus, Paulino, or Carolino. The name Linus derives from the Latin 'linum,' meaning flax or linen — the plant whose fibers were woven into cloth. In Greek mythology, Linus was a legendary musician, son of Apollo, said to have invented melody and rhythm. The short form Lino is especially beloved in Mediterranean cultures for its crisp, musical sound.
Lino has long been a staple in Italian and Iberian naming traditions. In Brazil and Portugal, it surged alongside a fashion for short, punchy names in the 2000s. Italian director Lino Banfi brought the name charm and warmth through his beloved film roles.
In Italy, Lino is a classic working-class name with warmth and nostalgia, often associated with grandfathers. In Brazil, it has been adopted as a fresh, modern-sounding option for parents wanting a Mediterranean feel.
Historical Record
Lino first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,275 babies have been named Lino in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lino is past its peak , currently ranked #2,166 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Linus, the root name, was a legendary musician in Greek mythology taught by Apollo
- Lino is also the word for linen fabric in Italian and Spanish
- The name appears in early Christian records as one of the first popes after Peter
Lino in Other Languages
Greek
Λίνος
Latin
Linus
Italian
Lino
Spanish
Lino
Portuguese
Lino
Popularity Over Time
#2,166
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1966
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lino
L
Lino Lago
Artist
1970
Spanish contemporary artist known for combining classical paintings with pop imagery
L
Lino Banfi
Actor
1936
Beloved Italian actor and comedian known for his warm, fatherly roles in Italian cinema
L
Lino Ventura
Actor
1919
Italo-French actor celebrated for his tough-guy roles in French crime films
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Compare Lino with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,166
- Total SSA Count
- 68
- Cultural Origins
- Italian Spanish Portuguese Brazilian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Li
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Italian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Italian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Italian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Italian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lino
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Lino is also used as a girl name, ranked #25751.
View Lino as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Italian)
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"help, helper"
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"supplanter (via Jacob/James)"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lino
What does the name Lino mean?
"flax, linen plant" (from Latin). "short form of Linus or Paulino" (from Italian). "melody, song (mythological)" (from Greek). Lino is an Italian and Portuguese short form of names like Linus, Paulino, or Carolino. The name Linus derives from the Latin 'linum,' meaning flax or linen — the plant whose fibers were woven into cloth. In Greek mythology, Linus was a legendary musician, son of Apollo, said to have invented melody and rhythm. The short form Lino is especially beloved in Mediterranean cultures for its crisp, musical sound.
What is the origin of the name Lino?
Lino has Latin, Italian, Greek, Spanish, Portuguese, and Brazilian origins. In Latin, it means "flax, linen plant". In Italian, it means "short form of Linus or Paulino". In Greek, it means "melody, song (mythological)".
Is Lino a boy or girl name?
Lino is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2166. As a girl name, it is ranked #25751. Lino is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Lino?
Lino is pronounced l-EEN-oh.
How popular is the name Lino?
Lino is currently ranked #2166 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Lino?
Popular middle name pairings include Lino Marco, Lino Antonio, Lino Eduardo, Lino Rafael, Lino Bruno, and Lino Sebastian.
What are good sibling names for Lino?
Names that pair well with Lino as siblings include Nico, Marco, Valentina, Sofia, Matteo, and Lucia.
How many syllables does Lino have?
Lino has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lino a common or rare name?
Lino is an uncommon name, ranked #2166 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Lino?
About the Name Lino
Lino is a boy name with Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Brazilian origins . The name means "flax, linen plant" in Latin .
Is Lino a boy or girl name? Lino is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,166 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #25,751. Lino is more commonly used as a boy name.
Lino is currently ranked #2,166 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Lino has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-EEN-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lino include Li. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Lino include Lincoln, Link, Linus, Linden, Linkin . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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