Declining since 2021, #1,571 for boys today.
Popularity of Link since 1893
Babies named Link per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 6 |
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 55 |
| 1920s | 49 |
| 1930s | 18 |
| 1940s | 40 |
| 1950s | 73 |
| 1960s | 153 |
| 1970s | 138 |
| 1980s | 35 |
| 1990s | 33 |
| 2000s | 157 |
| 2010s | 1,011 |
| 2020s | 916 |
Meaning & origin
Link first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1893, but remained exceptionally rare for over a century. Its modern rise began in the early 2000s, likely influenced by the iconic video game character from the Legend of Zelda series, which debuted in 1986. The name reached its peak popularity in 2022, ranking 1571 nationally with approximately 1 in 15,816 boys receiving the name. Since 2021, its trajectory has shown a slight decline, though it remains a distinctive choice. Geographically, Link is most popular in Utah, Virginia, and Washington, states that often favor creative, media-inspired names. As a short, punchy name with a strong pop-culture association, Link appeals to parents seeking a modern, unconventional option without sacrificing familiarity.
Link is most likely a short form of Lincoln, a surname and place name derived from the old British name Lindum Colonia, or possibly from the English surname meaning 'dweller near a ridge or bank'. In modern times, the name gained recognition through the video game character Link from Nintendo's Legend of Zelda series (first appearing in 1986), though the name predates that usage.
Where Link is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Link” around the world
Where Link lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Link
Names that share Link's style, for a brother or sister.
