"chain link, connection"
Origin: Old English/Norse
Language: English
Link
Pronunciation: [ l-IHNGK ]
Boy Name
#1,419 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
1 Syllable
Simple, strong, and forever heroic — the legend lives on
American
English
Gaming culture
Modern
Bold
Playful
Unique
Strong
Meaning & Origin
"hero (cultural/gaming)"
Origin: Nintendo Legend of Zelda
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- Overwhelmingly associated with Link, the protagonist of Nintendo's Legend of Zelda video game series; some may find this association limiting
The Story of Link
Link as a given name derives from the Old English and Old Norse 'hlencr' meaning a loop, ring, or chain, referring to a chain link. It also has roots in 'Lincoln,' the English city name meaning 'lake colony.' As a standalone given name, Link is primarily known to modern audiences through Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda video game series, where Link has been the heroic protagonist since 1986 — one of the most iconic characters in gaming history. The name carries a sense of connection and strength.
Link as a given name has been rising steadily as parents who grew up playing The Legend of Zelda in the 1980s and 90s are now having children. The franchise has remained one of Nintendo's flagship properties, keeping the name constantly in cultural consciousness. It also functions as a natural nickname for Lincoln, which has been a top-50 name in the US since 2010.
In video game culture, Link is one of the most iconic characters ever created — a silent, courageous hero who has saved the land of Hyrule across dozens of games and 35+ years. Unlike many game characters, Link is explicitly designed to represent 'the player' (hence 'the link between the player and the game world'). The Zelda franchise is revered as one of the greatest in gaming history.
Fun Facts
- Nintendo's Link is named not for the word 'link' but because he was intended to be 'the link between the player and the game world'
- Link has appeared in over 20 Legend of Zelda games since 1986, making him one of the most recognized video game characters globally
- The name Lincoln (from which Link derives as a nickname) means 'lake colony' and was the name of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th US President
Link in Other Languages
French
Link
German
Link
Chinese
林克
Spanish
Link
Japanese
リンク
Famous People Named Link
L
Link Wray
Musician
1929
American musician whose 1958 instrumental 'Rumble' is widely credited as the first use of power chords in rock music
L
Link (Legend of Zelda) Fictional
Other
Heroic protagonist of Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda franchise since 1986 — one of the most iconic video game characters...
Heroic protagonist of Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda franchise since 1986 — one of the most iconic video game characters in history
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,419
- Total SSA Count
- 130
- Cultural Origins
- American English Gaming culture
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Pairs Well With
Link James
Link Alexander
Link Michael
Link Cole
Link Everett
Link Theodore
Link Harrison
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Link
What does the name Link mean?
"chain link, connection" (from Old English/Norse). "hero (cultural/gaming)" (from Nintendo Legend of Zelda). Link as a given name derives from the Old English and Old Norse 'hlencr' meaning a loop, ring, or chain, referring to a chain link. It also has roots in 'Lincoln,' the English city name meaning 'lake colony.' As a standalone given name, Link is primarily known to modern audiences through Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda video game series, where Link has been the heroic protagonist since 1986 — one of the most iconic characters in gaming history. The name carries a sense of connection and strength.
What is the origin of the name Link?
Link has Old English/Norse, Nintendo Legend of Zelda, American, English, and Gaming culture origins. In Old English/Norse, it means "chain link, connection". In Nintendo Legend of Zelda, it means "hero (cultural/gaming)".
Is Link a boy or girl name?
Link is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Link?
Link is pronounced l-IHNGK.
How popular is the name Link?
Link is currently ranked #1419 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Link?
Popular middle name pairings include Link James, Link Alexander, Link Michael, Link Cole, Link Everett, Link Theodore, and Link Harrison.
What are good sibling names for Link?
Names that pair well with Link as siblings include Zelda, Zora, Ganon, Navi, Finn, Nash, and Knox.
How many syllables does Link have?
Link has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Link a common or rare name?
Link is an uncommon name, ranked #1419 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Link
Link is a boy name with American, English, and Gaming culture origins . The name means "chain link, connection" in Old English/Norse .
Link is currently ranked #1,419 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Link has 1 syllable and is pronounced l-IHNGK, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Link include Lincoln, Linus, Linden, Linkin, Lino . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.