"lake, pool, waterfall"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh
Lynn
Pronunciation: [ l-IHN ]
Does Lynn flow with your last name?
A quiet Welsh name meaning peaceful lake
Welsh
English
American
Vintage
Classic
Gentle
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"cascade, flowing water"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly perceived as a feminine name in contemporary culture; boys named Lynn may face gender confusion
The Story of Lynn
Lynn derives from the Welsh word llyn, meaning lake or pool. As a place element, it appears in numerous Welsh and English place names (like Kings Lynn in Norfolk). The name migrated from surname use into first names during the 19th and 20th centuries. While Lynn and its variants (Lyn, Lynne) became primarily feminine in the mid-20th century, the name has a long history as a masculine given name and middle name in English-speaking countries.
Lynn peaked as a boys name in the early-to-mid 20th century in the United States and Britain, when it was common as both a first and middle name for boys. By the 1970s and 1980s, cultural shifts had strongly associated Lynn with girls names, and its use for boys has steadily declined. As a middle name for boys, it persisted longer, particularly in Southern US families.
In Wales, the llyn element remains an important part of the landscape and culture, appearing in place names like Llyn Padarn and Llyn Ogwen. As a male name, Lynn carries a sense of mid-century American masculinity — it was common among men who came of age in the 1940s-1960s.
Historical Record
Lynn first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 24,619 babies have been named Lynn in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lynn is past its peak , currently ranked #5,977 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Welsh word llyn (lake) appears in over 50 Welsh place names
- Lynn Swann, Hall of Fame NFL wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, helped establish the name as masculine in American sports culture
- Lynn is one of several gender-fluid names that shifted primarily to feminine use during the 20th century
Lynn in Other Languages
Irish
Linn
Welsh
Llyn
French
Lynn
Scottish
Linne
Popularity Over Time
#5,977
Current Rank
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lynn
L
Lynn Swann
Athlete
1952
Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, four-time Super Bowl champion
L
Lynn Anderson
Musician
1947
Country music singer known for Rose Garden (1970), one of the best-selling country singles ever
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Compare Lynn with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #5,977
- Total SSA Count
- 15
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh English American
- 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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Classic pairing, 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
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, 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 Girl Name
Lynn is also used as a girl name, ranked #2795.
View Lynn as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Welsh)
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Scottish Gaelic origin
"little bay, small inlet"
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Old French mason origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lynn
What does the name Lynn mean?
"lake, pool, waterfall" (from Welsh). "cascade, flowing water" (from Old English). Lynn derives from the Welsh word llyn, meaning lake or pool. As a place element, it appears in numerous Welsh and English place names (like Kings Lynn in Norfolk). The name migrated from surname use into first names during the 19th and 20th centuries. While Lynn and its variants (Lyn, Lynne) became primarily feminine in the mid-20th century, the name has a long history as a masculine given name and middle name in English-speaking countries.
What is the origin of the name Lynn?
Lynn has Welsh, Old English, English, and American origins. In Welsh, it means "lake, pool, waterfall". In Old English, it means "cascade, flowing water".
Is Lynn a boy or girl name?
Lynn is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5977. As a girl name, it is ranked #2795. 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 #5977 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Lynn?
Popular middle name pairings include Lynn James, Lynn Michael, Lynn Patrick, Lynn Edward, Lynn Thomas, Lynn William, and Lynn Charles.
What are good sibling names for Lynn?
Names that pair well with Lynn as siblings include Glen, Dale, Dean, Roy, Shirley, Gail, and Joyce.
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 #5977 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Lynn?
About the Name Lynn
Lynn is a boy name with Welsh, English, and American origins . The name means "lake, pool, waterfall" in Welsh .
Is Lynn a boy or girl name? Lynn is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,977 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #2,795. Lynn is more commonly used as a girl name.
Lynn is currently ranked #5,977 in popularity for boy 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 Lyndon, Lynx, Lynnox . 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