This post contains affiliate links.
At a Glance: Name: Linus – Origin: Ancient Greek (via Latin) – Gender: Boy – Pronunciation: LY-nus
Linus is pronounced LY-nus, and it comes from Ancient Greek by way of Latin. You may have heard that it means ‘flax’ or ‘flaxen-haired’ — that’s a widely repeated claim, but it isn’t confirmed; the actual meaning of the original Greek name is uncertain. What comes through instead is its old-soul, classic character, a name that reads as vintage but still wearable today.
Meaning & Origin of Linus
Origin: Ancient Greek (via Latin).
A common claim: Linus is commonly said to mean 'flax' or 'flax-colored/flaxen-haired,' especially cited as Scandinavian or Greek. Actually: The origin of the Ancient Greek name behind Linus is of uncertain meaning; 'flax' isn't a confirmed meaning.
Source: Wiktionary.
How to Pronounce Linus
Phonetic: LY-nus IPA: /ˈlaɪnəs/
Popularity of Linus
Linus hit its highest-ever rank in 1882, at #625, though only 10 babies were given the name that year. By 2024 it had settled at #1425 — with more babies actually named Linus (129) than in 1882, even though the rank is lower.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name data, 1882–2024.
Make Linus Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Linus, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
Names With a Similar Story
Derived from shared style, era, and origin data (or, for names we have no style data for, a similar Social Security popularity trajectory) — not a hand-picked list.
FAQ
What does the name Linus mean?
Linus is commonly said to mean ‘flax’ or ‘flax-colored/flaxen-haired,’ especially cited as Scandinavian or Greek. The origin of the Ancient Greek name behind Linus is of uncertain meaning; ‘flax’ isn’t a confirmed meaning.
How do you pronounce Linus?
Linus is pronounced LY-nus (IPA: /ˈlaɪnəs/).
Is Linus a popular name right now?
Linus peaked at #625 in 1882 and is ranked #1425 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1882–2024.)
📊 How popular is Linus? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
🎲 Think you know your baby names? Take the quiz!
🎨 Get Printable Name Art for Linus
Beautiful nursery-ready 8×10" print with name & meaning
Preview & Download →More Baby Name Inspiration
📱 The Baby Names app is here
Swipe names, match with your partner the moment you both say yes, and claim a free Name Art print of your winner. Free to download. See all our apps →
