What does Lina mean and where does it come from?
Lina has multilingual roots, primarily from Arabic where it means 'tender' or relates to the palm tree, symbolizing grace and comfort. In Greek, it is associated with the idea of light or brightness. The name has gained international popularity and is used in various cultures across Europe and Latin
Cultural significance
Lina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of tender.
Peak popularity
Reached #221 in 1880 — currently #584 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Lina?
Lina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lina Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lina Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lina Claire
French influence · crisp
Lina Jane
Literary · strong
Lina Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lina right now?
Holding steady — currently #584 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #584 | 513 | ▼ down 3 |
| 2022 | #581 | 514 | ▲ up 89 · +17% births |
| 2021 | #670 | 441 | ▲ up 9 · +7% births |
| 2020 | #679 | 413 | ▲ up 171 · +26% births |
| 2015 | #850 | 328 | ▲ up 3 · +4% births |
| 2010 | #853 | 314 | ▲ up 126 · +26% births |
| 2005 | #979 | 250 | ▲ up 156 · +39% births |
| 2000 | #1135 | 180 | ▼ down 45 · +10% births |
| 1995 | #1090 | 163 | ▲ up 41 · +7% births |
| 1990 | #1131 | 153 | ▲ up 27 · +24% births |
| 1985 | #1158 | 123 | ▼ down 180 · -19% births |
| 1980 | #978 | 152 | ▲ up 106 · +41% births |
| 1975 | #1084 | 108 | ▲ up 98 · +11% births |
| 1970 | #1182 | 97 | ▼ down 123 · -1% births |
| 1965 | #1059 | 98 | — |
The story of Lina
Lina has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 16,939 babies have received this name. Once ranked #221 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #584 in 2023. Lina is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lina in 1880:
Lina by decade
Lina peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 444 | |
| 1890s | 557 | |
| 1900s | 527 | |
| 1910s | 883 | |
| 1920s | 1,014 | |
| 1930s | 707 | |
| 1940s | 655 | |
| 1950s | 746 | |
| 1960s | 906 | |
| 1970s | 1,047 | |
| 1980s | 1,375 | |
| 1990s | 1,720 | |
| 2000s | 2,516 | |
| 2010s ★ | 3,429 | |
| 2020s | 413 | |
What are good nicknames for Lina?
Famous people named Lina
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Lina (Sufi mystic)
Lina used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
L(
Lina (historical Arab ruler)
Lina held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
L(
Lina (Sufi mystic)
Lina used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
L(
Lina (Islamic scholar)
Lina bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Lina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lina also consider these
Common questions about the name Lina
What does the name Lina mean?
Lina means "Tender" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Lina?
Lina is currently ranked #584 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Lina have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Lina?
Lina originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Lina trending right now?
Lina is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Lina more of a girl or boy name?
Lina is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.