Declining since 1985, #2,194 for girls today.
Popularity of Lindsay since 1916
Babies named Lindsay per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 6 |
| 1920s | 19 |
| 1930s | 34 |
| 1940s | 327 |
| 1950s | 948 |
| 1960s | 583 |
| 1970s | 12,358 |
| 1980s | 68,491 |
| 1990s | 31,382 |
| 2000s | 12,262 |
| 2010s | 3,290 |
| 2020s | 665 |
Meaning & origin
Lindsay entered U.S. records in 1916 and saw its peak popularity in 1983, ranking among the top 200 names for girls during the 1980s. Since 1985, its usage has been falling, yet it remains a familiar choice. In 2025, the name ranks 2,194 with a 1-in-19,134 frequency, showing its lasting presence. Top states include Massachusetts, Texas, and New York. Its Scottish heritage and surname origins give it a strong, place-based identity that continues to appeal.
Lindsay originated as a Scottish surname from the place name Lindsay in Lincolnshire, England. The place name derives from Old English 'Lindessege', meaning 'Lincoln island' or 'pool island', combining elements for 'lime-tree' or 'pool' and 'island'. As a given name, it became popular in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, often used for girls from the mid-1900s.
Where Lindsay 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.
“Lindsay” around the world
Where Lindsay lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
40
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lin, Lindy, Linds
Sibling names for Lindsay
Names that share Lindsay's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Megan, Lauren, Kelsey, Brittany, Ashley, Cassie, Leslie, Wendy, Britteny, Cortney, Jaimie, Krystle, Lesley, Mindy, Randi, Tiffini, Trista, Brittnee, Corie, Cristie, Leslee, Lezlie, Tracee, Brandis, Brandye, Christyn, Hollyann, Jamye, Kamie, Kassy, Kerrianne, Kersten, Kourtnee, Krystie, Lenzy, Lindie, Malyssa, Hilari, Keitha, Lesle, Lundy, Amberlea, Brittanni, Lendy, Leslea, Macenzie, Meridee, Nikky, Samanth, Stesha
Brothers: Ryan, Tyler, Brandon, Kyle, Dylan, Derek, Ross, Tyrel, Baird, Darey, Lyndal, Atthew, Garritt, Criag
Names like Lindsay
Names whose popularity has moved with Lindsay's over the last 50 years.
