Holding steady.
Popularity of Linsay since 1976
Babies named Linsay per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 55 |
| 1980s | 370 |
| 1990s | 153 |
| 2000s | 84 |
| 2010s | 11 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Linsay is a phonetic respelling of the Scottish surname and given name Lindsay. First recorded in U.S. data in 1976, its peak year was 1984, reflecting the broader popularity of names like Lindsay and Lindsey for baby girls in the 1980s. However, Linsay has never reached high rank and remains a relatively rare choice. Its trajectory has been stable since the late 20th century, with no recent revival. The name is most familiar as an alternative spelling of Lindsay, which itself experienced a surge in the 1980s and 1990s before declining. Parents choosing Linsay today are opting for a less common variant with the same Scottish heritage.
Linsay is a respelling of Lindsay, which originates as a Scottish surname from a place name near the English border. The place name likely comes from Old English elements meaning 'linden trees' and 'island'. Lindsay was adopted as a given name in Scotland from the 16th century onward, originally for boys but increasingly used for girls in the 20th century. The spelling Linsay is a modern phonetic variant.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lin, Linny, Say
Sibling names for Linsay
Names that share Linsay's style, for a brother or sister.
