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Linda Girl

Popularity: #636 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationLIN-duh / ˈlɪn.də

Spanish; Germanic; English

Meaning

Spanish: beautiful; Germanic: soft, tender; English: noble

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Linda has its roots in the Spanish and Portuguese word "linda," meaning "pretty" or "beautiful." This term is derived from the Latin word "linda," which is a diminutive form of "linna," meaning "flax" or "flaxen-haired." The name entered the English language in the 19th century, influenced by the romanticized notions of beauty prevalent in literature and art of the time. Its adoption in English-speaking countries can be traced back to the 19th century, particularly through the popularization of the name in the United States, where it gained significant traction after being used in the 1942 Disney film "Bambi," which featured a character named Linda.

Historically, the name Linda has been associated with various cultural figures and milestones. One notable instance is the use of the name in the 19th century, where it appeared in literature and was sometimes used as a diminutive for names like Belinda or Melinda. The name's rise in popularity can also be linked to the 20th century, particularly with the publication of the song "Linda" by Buddy Holly in 1947, which further cemented its place in popular culture. Additionally, the name has been borne by various notable individuals, including Linda McCartney, an influential figure in music and photography, who contributed to the cultural landscape of the 20th century.

Culturally, Linda has resonated with themes of beauty and femininity, often symbolizing grace and charm. The name has been embraced in various artistic expressions, from literature to music, reflecting its aesthetic appeal. Its simplicity and melodic quality have contributed to its enduring presence in various cultures. While diminutive forms like Lindy have emerged, the name Linda itself remains a standalone representation of beauty and elegance, rooted in its linguistic origins and historical significance.

Trend Summary

Linda was highly popular in the mid-20th century but has seen a decline in usage in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Lynda
  • Lindie

International Variants

  • Linda (Spanish)
  • Linda (Italian)
  • Linda (Portuguese)

Famous people named Linda

Linda Ronstadt is a singer and songwriter best known for Heart Like a Wheel, Blue Bayou, and You're No Good.

Linda Hamilton is an actress best known for The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and Beauty and the Beast.

Linda Blair is an actress best known for The Exorcist, Roller Boogie, and Hell Night.

Linda Cardellini is an actress best known for Freaks and Geeks, Dead to Me, and Scooby-Doo.

Linda Evangelista is a supermodel best known for her work with Versace, Chanel, and her iconic status in the fashion industry.

Linda Gray is an actress best known for Dallas, The Big Valley, and Models Inc.

Linda McCartney was a photographer and musician best known for her work with Paul McCartney and Wings, and her vegetarian cookbooks.

Linda B. Buck is a biologist best known for her research on the olfactory system and co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Fictional characters named Linda

Linda is a fictional character from the film The Incredibles. She is a supporting character who works as a receptionist at the superhero agency.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Linda was first seen in the United States in 1880. Linda has ranked as high as #1 nationally, which occurred in 1947, and has been most popular in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Linda has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Linda (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 39
15%
PA 37
14%
CA 34
13%
OH 19
7%
FL 16
6%
NY 13
5%
IL 12
5%
VA 11
4%
KY 8
3%
ID 7
3%
MD 7
3%
CO 7
3%
MO 7
3%
NC 7
3%
NJ 6
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188027
188138
188236
188349
188433
188560
188649
188750
188877
188974
189054
189178
189283
189382
189494
189596
1896104
189781
1898102
189998
1900125
190186
190291
190390
1904101
1905105
190698
1907102
190893
1909105
1910137
1911130
1912189
1913238
1914219
1915290
1916297
1917291
1918322
1919282
1920348
1921367
1922365
1923423
1924454
1925438
1926480
1927516
1928555
1929509
1930492
1931535
1932774
1933782
19341,000
19351,197
19362,440
19374,378
19387,047
193910,713
194018,369
194123,721
194231,614
194338,439
194438,415
194541,465
194652,710
194799,693
194896,216
194991,016
195080,431
195173,982
195267,081
195361,281
195455,371
195551,300
195648,085
195744,515
195841,905
195940,412
196037,315
196135,592
196231,463
196327,723
196423,632
196519,343
196615,564
196713,196
196811,371
196910,246
19708,730
19717,376
19725,743
19734,731
19744,077
19753,522
19763,138
19772,912
19782,930
19792,740
19802,806
19812,729
19822,791
19832,476
19842,336
19852,115
19861,950
19871,931
19881,845
19891,845
19901,661
19911,608
19921,582
19931,488
19941,284
19951,234
1996987
19971,099
1998972
1999900
2000851
2001839
2002773
2003741
2004731
2005754
2006700
2007662
2008614
2009553
2010480
2011490
2012450
2013447
2014475
2015429
2016443
2017409
2018398
2019362
2020334
2021327
2022352
2023324
2024321