Rising since 1992, #1,409 for boys today.
Popularity of Linden since 1889
Babies named Linden per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 5 |
| 1890s | 0 | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 | 10 |
| 1910s | 0 | 163 |
| 1920s | 0 | 260 |
| 1930s | 0 | 258 |
| 1940s | 33 | 414 |
| 1950s | 98 | 391 |
| 1960s | 31 | 231 |
| 1970s | 28 | 127 |
| 1980s | 189 | 183 |
| 1990s | 193 | 221 |
| 2000s | 291 | 377 |
| 2010s | 676 | 810 |
| 2020s | 459 | 652 |
Meaning & origin
Linden is a botanical name that has been in use since at least 1889, when it was first recorded in U.S. data. As of 2025, it ranks 1,409, meaning about 1 in 13,241 newborns receive the name. Its popularity has been on an upward trajectory since 1992, reaching its peak usage in 2025. The name is most popular in states like Wisconsin, Missouri, and Minnesota, reflecting a Midwestern affinity for nature-inspired names. Linden's appeal as a unisex name continues to grow, offering a gentle, arboreal alternative to more common tree names.
Linden derives from the Old English word 'linde' for the linden tree, a member of the genus Tilia. Historically, the tree was valued for its soft wood and fragrant blossoms, and the name was occasionally given as a surname for someone who lived near a notable linden tree. As a given name, it emerged in the late 19th century, reflecting the Victorian fashion for botanical names. It has been used for both boys and girls, with a modest but steady presence.
Where Linden is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lin, Lindy, Denny
Sibling names for Linden
Names that share Linden's style, for a brother or sister.
