A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lina since 1880
Babies named Lina per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2024, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lina's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 444 |
| 1890s | 557 |
| 1900s | 527 |
| 1910s | 883 |
| 1920s | 1,014 |
| 1930s | 707 |
| 1940s | 655 |
| 1950s | 746 |
| 1960s | 909 |
| 1970s | 1,050 |
| 1980s | 1,373 |
| 1990s | 1,725 |
| 2000s | 2,516 |
| 2010s | 3,441 |
| 2020s | 2,942 |
Meaning & origin
Lina has seen a steady rise in popularity since 1985. First recorded in 1880, it peaked that year at rank 572, but after a long decline began climbing again. In 2025, it ranks 572 nationally, with 1 in 3,050 girls receiving the name. It is especially favored in states like Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Virginia. The name's appeal lies in its simplicity and cross-cultural resonance, bridging Arabic, Latin, and Greek origins. Lina feels both classic and fresh, fitting well with modern short-name trends while carrying deep historical roots.
Lina has multiple origins. In Arabic, it is derived from the word for 'tender' or may refer to a palm tree. In Latin and Greek contexts, it is typically a short form of names ending in -lina (e.g., Carolina, Angelina) or related to Lena. It has been used across Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia, with popularity rising in recent decades as a cross-cultural choice.
Where Lina is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Lina” around the world
Where Lina lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#15
in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Quebec
#53
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee
Sibling names for Lina
Names that share Lina's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maya, Sophia, Ava, Lena, Nora, Rawan, Anel, Emmi, Kina, Nida, Rana, Rina, Rosia, Hoda, Irha, Joud, Kenza, Maram, Miral, Nuha, Ruba, Saima, Salwa, Wafa, Zoha, Afnan, Afra, Aima, Arfa, Bana, Bani, Ilham, Kinda, Leoni, Lima, Mariem, Renad, Retal, Shifa, Suad, Tinna, Zerina, Miraal, Benni, Doaa, Doha, Imane, Jaria, Jolita, Meriem, Ruta, Ruya, Samaa, Sira, Stina, Velina, Yassmine, Zuha
Brothers: Liam, Noah, Ethan, Leo, Omar, Anas, Ayan, Jad, Yamil, Yazan, Amine, Anis, Nizar, Samy, Suhail, Yahia, Ahmar, Amro, Arhum, Arish, Ihan, Kamir, Kinan, Niklas, Rino, Algis, Andrius, Arshad, Chino, Galo, Jaan, Livan, Maico, Rayane, Sayf
Names like Lina
Names whose popularity has moved with Lina's over the last 50 years.
