Declining since 2022.
Popularity of Linc since 1956
Babies named Linc per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1964, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Linc's real moment was 1970.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 83 |
| 1970s | 67 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 11 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 33 |
Meaning & origin
Linc is an uncommon given name first recorded in the United States in 1956. It reached its peak popularity in 1970 and has never appeared in the national top 1000, remaining a rare choice. In recent years, the name has been on a falling trajectory since 2022. Linc is most often understood as a clipped form of Lincoln, a name with presidential associations and strong, one-syllable appeal. Its straightforward spelling and pronunciation make it easy to say and remember, yet its rarity gives it a distinctive feel. While it has not been associated with any top states or notable famous bearers, Linc fits well with modern short-name trends, offering a minimalist option for parents seeking something off the beaten path.
Linc is predominantly a modern shortening of Lincoln, a surname and place name derived from the Old English elements 'lind' (lake, pool) and 'tūn' (settlement, enclosure). Lincoln gained popularity as a given name in honor of President Abraham Lincoln, and the clipped form Linc emerged as a casual variant in the mid-20th century. Its use has remained infrequent but steady, often chosen for its straightforward, strong sound.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Link
Sibling names for Linc
Names that share Linc's style, for a brother or sister.
