What does Lincoln mean and where does it come from?
Lincoln is traditionally a surname derived from the city of Lincoln in England, which derives its name from the Latin 'Lindum', meaning 'lake'. As a given name, Lincoln has recently become more popular, especially in the United States, for girls. The usage of Lincoln as a first name for females refl
Cultural significance
Lincoln has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the lake colony.
Peak popularity
Reached #40 in 2018 — currently #64 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Lincoln?
Lincoln works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lincoln Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lincoln Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lincoln Mae
Sweet · timeless
Lincoln Claire
French influence · crisp
Lincoln Jane
Literary · strong
Lincoln Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lincoln right now?
Declining — down 10 spots — currently #64 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #64 | 4,863 | ▼ down 10 · -14% births |
| 2022 | #54 | 5,624 | ▼ down 9 · -16% births |
| 2021 | #45 | 6,695 | ▼ down 5 · -4% births |
| 2020 | #40 | 6,998 | ▲ up 26 · +17% births |
| 2015 | #66 | 5,996 | ▲ up 133 · +221% births |
| 2010 | #199 | 1,870 | ▲ up 297 · +273% births |
| 2005 | #496 | 501 | ▲ up 214 · +103% births |
| 2000 | #710 | 247 | ▲ up 66 · +29% births |
| 1995 | #776 | 191 | ▲ up 79 · +34% births |
| 1990 | #855 | 143 | ▼ down 31 · +22% births |
| 1985 | #824 | 117 | ▲ up 94 · +24% births |
| 1980 | #918 | 94 | ▼ down 240 · -36% births |
| 1975 | #678 | 147 | ▲ up 11 · +1% births |
| 1970 | #689 | 145 | ▼ down 32 · +13% births |
| 1965 | #657 | 128 | — |
The story of Lincoln
Lincoln has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #40 in 2018. A total of 79,780 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #621 in 1880 to #64 in 2023. Lincoln is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lincoln in 2018:
Lincoln by decade
Lincoln peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 94 | |
| 1890s | 141 | |
| 1900s | 176 | |
| 1910s | 906 | |
| 1920s | 1,302 | |
| 1930s | 852 | |
| 1940s | 845 | |
| 1950s | 818 | |
| 1960s | 1,258 | |
| 1970s | 1,318 | |
| 1980s | 1,171 | |
| 1990s | 1,744 | |
| 2000s | 8,911 | |
| 2010s ★ | 53,065 | |
| 2020s | 7,179 | |
What are good nicknames for Lincoln?
What names sound and feel like Lincoln?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lincoln also consider these
Common questions about the name Lincoln
What does the name Lincoln mean?
Lincoln means "from the lake colony" — a name rooted in American 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 Lincoln?
Lincoln is currently ranked #64 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Lincoln?
Lincoln originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Lincoln?
Lincoln is a two-syllable name pronounced L IH1 NG K AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Lincoln more of a girl or boy name?
Lincoln is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.