"lake, pool"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh
Lynn
Pronunciation: [ l-IHN ]
Does Lynn flow with your last name?
A classic Welsh name meaning 'lake' — elegantly simple
English
Welsh
American
Irish
Classic
Minimalist
Gentle
Vintage
Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"waterfall, stream"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
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The Story of Lynn
Lynn comes from the Welsh word 'llyn' meaning 'lake' or 'pool.' It entered English use as both a standalone name and a suffix in compound names like Carolyn, Marilyn, and Jacqueline. As an independent name, Lynn gained popularity in 20th-century America, particularly as a middle name bridging any first name with grace and simplicity. The spelling Lynne adds an extra 'e' for elegance.
Lynn peaked as a given name in the United States in the 1950s through 1970s, when short, simple names for girls were fashionable. It remains extremely popular as a middle name, serving as a smooth connector for longer first names. As a standalone first name, it has declined as parents seek more distinctive choices.
In Welsh culture, the word 'llyn' (lake) evokes the misty, mystical landscapes of Wales. As an English name, Lynn became associated with mid-century American femininity and practicality. It also functions as a gender-neutral name, used for boys in some families.
Historical Record
Lynn first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 147,420 babies have been named Lynn in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lynn is past its peak , currently ranked #2,795 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Lynn is one of the most common middle names in the United States
- The Welsh 'llyn' root gave names to many places, including Llyn Peninsula in Wales
- Lynn has been used as both a masculine and feminine name in English-speaking cultures
Lynn in Other Languages
Irish
Lynn
Welsh
Llyn
French
Lynn
German
Lynn
Spanish
Lynn
Popularity Over Time
#2,795
Current Rank
Peaked 1956
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lynn
L
Lynn Swann
Athlete
1952
NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers
L
Lynn Redgrave
Actor
1943
British actress and member of the distinguished Redgrave acting family
L
Loretta Lynn
Musician
1932
Iconic American country singer-songwriter, 'Coal Miner's Daughter'
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #2,795
- Total SSA Count
- 60
- Cultural Origins
- English Welsh American Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lynn
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Lynn is also used as a boy name, ranked #5977.
View Lynn as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lynn
What does the name Lynn mean?
"lake, pool" (from Welsh). "waterfall, stream" (from Old English). Lynn comes from the Welsh word 'llyn' meaning 'lake' or 'pool.' It entered English use as both a standalone name and a suffix in compound names like Carolyn, Marilyn, and Jacqueline. As an independent name, Lynn gained popularity in 20th-century America, particularly as a middle name bridging any first name with grace and simplicity. The spelling Lynne adds an extra 'e' for elegance.
What is the origin of the name Lynn?
Lynn has Welsh, Old English, English, American, and Irish origins. In Welsh, it means "lake, pool". In Old English, it means "waterfall, stream".
Is Lynn a boy or girl name?
Lynn is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2795. As a boy name, it is ranked #5977. Lynn is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Lynn?
Lynn is pronounced l-IHN.
How popular is the name Lynn?
Lynn is currently ranked #2795 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Lynn?
Popular middle name pairings include Lynn Marie, Lynn Anne, Lynn Elizabeth, Lynn Christine, Lynn Michelle, Lynn Nicole, and Lynn Renee.
What are good sibling names for Lynn?
Names that pair well with Lynn as siblings include Dale, Glen, Kay, Gail, Todd, Kim, and Mark.
How many syllables does Lynn have?
Lynn has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lynn a common or rare name?
Lynn is an uncommon name, ranked #2795 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Lynn?
About the Name Lynn
Lynn is a girl name with English, Welsh, American, and Irish origins . The name means "lake, pool" in Welsh .
Is Lynn a boy or girl name? Lynn is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,795 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #5,977. Lynn is more commonly used as a girl name.
Lynn is currently ranked #2,795 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lynn has 1 syllable and is pronounced l-IHN, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Lynn include Lynlee, Lynnlee, Lynette, Lyndi, Lyndie . 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