Declining since 1985, #1,367 for girls today.
Popularity of Lindsey since 1924
Babies named Lindsey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 7 |
| 1940s | 161 |
| 1950s | 602 |
| 1960s | 520 |
| 1970s | 7,734 |
| 1980s | 71,940 |
| 1990s | 48,975 |
| 2000s | 21,644 |
| 2010s | 4,823 |
| 2020s | 1,140 |
Meaning & origin
Lindsey entered U.S. records in 1924 and experienced a notable surge in popularity during the 1980s, reaching its peak in 1984 at rank 1,367. Since 1985, its usage has steadily declined, a trajectory reflected in its current 1-in-9,983 rate. The name was most prevalent in Indiana, Maryland, and North Carolina. As a variant of the English surname Lindsey, it carries a locational heritage tied to Lincolnshire. While traditionally unisex, Lindsey has become overwhelmingly feminine in American usage, paralleling similar names like Lyndsey and Kelsey.
Lindsey is a transferred use of the English surname, which itself derives from the Old English place name Lindesege, meaning 'island of the lime tree' (or 'Lincoln's island'). The surname was originally locational, denoting someone from the region of Lindsey in Lincolnshire, England. As a given name, it emerged in the late 19th century and gained significant popularity for girls in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, peaking in 1984 at rank 1367.
Where Lindsey 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.
“Lindsey” around the world
Where Lindsey lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lin, Linds, Zee
Sibling names for Lindsey
Names that share Lindsey's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kelsey, Megan, Chelsea, Lauren, Ashley, Britany, Brittani, Ashlea, Britni, Jerrica, Laurin, Torri, Torrie, Asheley, Brittanee, Carlye, Courtni, Jennilee, Kourtni, Lindee, Mindie, Wendee, Windi, Brittne, Cristyn, Crystin, Jeny, Kortnee, Symantha, Brithney, Chelcey, Keirstan, Kimley, Kourtnei, Tiffay
Brothers: Cody, Cory, Brandon, Tyler, Justin, Bradley, Brandan, Britt, Coty, Derric, Jerrid
Names like Lindsey
Names whose popularity has moved with Lindsey's over the last 50 years.
