Lindsey Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: LIN-zee /ˈlɪn.zi/
Origin: English; Scottish
Meaning: English: island of linden trees; Scottish: from the linden tree
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Lindsey has its roots in Old English, derived from the place name Lindisfarne, which itself comes from the Old English elements 'lind,' meaning 'lime tree,' and 'island,' referring to the island of Lindisfarne off the northeast coast of England. The name evolved through various forms, including Lindesey and Lindsey, before being adopted into Middle English.
As a surname, it was used to denote individuals from the area, and over time, it transitioned into a given name, particularly for girls, in the 20th century. Historically, the name Lindsey is associated with significant figures and events.
One notable reference is Saint Cuthbert, who was a prominent figure in early medieval Christianity and was linked to Lindisfarne, where he became the Bishop of Lindisfarne in the 7th century. The island was also the site of the famous Lindisfarne Gospels, created around the 8th century, which are considered masterpieces of Insular art and a vital part of Christian heritage in England.
The name gained further recognition through its mention in various historical texts and literature over the centuries. Culturally, Lindsey carries connotations of nature and tranquility, reflecting its etymological roots in 'lime tree.' The name has been embraced in various forms and adaptations, often associated with a sense of place and identity.
The diminutive form 'Lindy' has also emerged, providing a more informal and affectionate variant of the name. Overall, Lindsey's historical and cultural significance is intertwined with its geographical origins and the rich tapestry of English history.
Famous people named Lindsey
Lindsey Vonn is an alpine ski racer best known for her Olympic medals, World Cup victories, and being a prominent figure in winter sports.
Lindsey Buckingham is a musician best known as the guitarist and vocalist of Fleetwood Mac and for his solo albums.
Lindsey Stirling is a violinist and dancer best known for her unique blend of classical music and electronic dance music, as well as her YouTube performances.
Lindsey Lohan is an actress and singer best known for her roles in Mean Girls, The Parent Trap, and Freaky Friday.
Fictional characters named Lindsey
Lindsey McDonald is a fictional character from the TV series Angel. He is a lawyer who initially works for Wolfram & Hart and later becomes a more complex character with a moral struggle.
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Lindsey was first seen in the United States in 1924.
Lindsey has ranked as high as #80 nationally, which occurred in 1984, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Ohio, Florida, and Illinois.
In the past 5 years the name Lindsey has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Lindsey (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 20 | |
| TX | 18 | |
| OH | 11 | |
| PA | 9 | |
| TN | 9 | |
| NY | 9 | |
| GA | 8 | |
| IN | 8 | |
| FL | 7 | |
| MD | 7 | |
| NC | 7 | |
| AZ | 6 | |
| UT | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1924 | 5 |
| 1937 | 7 |
| 1940 | 5 |
| 1941 | 8 |
| 1942 | 7 |
| 1944 | 6 |
| 1945 | 11 |
| 1946 | 20 |
| 1947 | 33 |
| 1948 | 24 |
| 1949 | 47 |
| 1950 | 51 |
| 1951 | 51 |
| 1952 | 66 |
| 1953 | 53 |
| 1954 | 71 |
| 1955 | 43 |
| 1956 | 66 |
| 1957 | 84 |
| 1958 | 65 |
| 1959 | 52 |
| 1960 | 41 |
| 1961 | 70 |
| 1962 | 45 |
| 1963 | 57 |
| 1964 | 47 |
| 1965 | 42 |
| 1966 | 41 |
| 1967 | 54 |
| 1968 | 56 |
| 1969 | 68 |
| 1970 | 70 |
| 1971 | 69 |
| 1972 | 75 |
| 1973 | 101 |
| 1974 | 234 |
| 1975 | 361 |
| 1976 | 873 |
| 1977 | 1,381 |
| 1978 | 1,812 |
| 1979 | 2,758 |
| 1980 | 3,386 |
| 1981 | 4,863 |
| 1982 | 7,961 |
| 1983 | 8,679 |
| 1984 | 9,006 |
| 1985 | 8,468 |
| 1986 | 8,051 |
| 1987 | 7,457 |
| 1988 | 7,001 |
| 1989 | 7,069 |
| 1990 | 6,782 |
| 1991 | 6,459 |
| 1992 | 5,894 |
| 1993 | 5,845 |
| 1994 | 4,988 |
| 1995 | 4,377 |
| 1996 | 4,112 |
| 1997 | 3,636 |
| 1998 | 3,465 |
| 1999 | 3,417 |
| 2000 | 3,211 |
| 2001 | 3,050 |
| 2002 | 2,816 |
| 2003 | 2,540 |
| 2004 | 2,255 |
| 2005 | 2,094 |
| 2006 | 1,886 |
| 2007 | 1,555 |
| 2008 | 1,227 |
| 2009 | 1,010 |
| 2010 | 803 |
| 2011 | 647 |
| 2012 | 579 |
| 2013 | 504 |
| 2014 | 534 |
| 2015 | 476 |
| 2016 | 364 |
| 2017 | 315 |
| 2018 | 323 |
| 2019 | 276 |
| 2020 | 244 |
| 2021 | 195 |
| 2022 | 181 |
| 2023 | 179 |
| 2024 | 180 |