Lindsey

“Lincoln's island”

English origin · Unisex name

♂ 5% boys♀ 95% girls

#1282US 2023

179Births / yr

↑Rising

164.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 1924🏆 20 years in top 1000.52% of births at peak

How to pronounce Lindsey

LINDZ·ee

/ˈlɪndz.iː/ · stress on LINDZ · 2 syllables

“Lincoln's island”

English origin · Unisex name

What does Lindsey mean and where does it come from?

Lindsey is derived from an Old English surname meaning 'island of Lincoln'. The name gained prominence as a given name in the United States during the 20th century. It can also be spelled 'Lindsay' and has been used by various notable figures, including the American actress and singer Lindsay Lohan.

Cultural significance

Lindsey has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lincoln's island.

Peak popularity

Reached #35 in 1983 — currently #1282 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Lindsey?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Lindsay

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Lindsey?

Lindsey works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Lindsey Grace

How popular is Lindsey right now?

Rising — up 23 spots — currently #1282 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1940–2023#1282 · Top 0.95%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1282	179	▲ up 23 · -1% births
2022	#1305	181	▼ down 88 · -7% births
2021	#1217	195	▼ down 192 · -19% births
2020	#1025	242	▼ down 415 · -49% births
2015	#610	475	▼ down 210 · -41% births
2010	#400	801	▼ down 238 · -62% births
2005	#162	2,094	▼ down 59 · -35% births
2000	#103	3,211	▼ down 21 · -27% births
1995	#82	4,377	▼ down 31 · -35% births
1990	#51	6,781	▼ down 14 · -20% births
1985	#37	8,467	▲ up 54 · +150% births
1980	#91	3,386	▲ up 406 · +838% births
1975	#497	361	▲ up 949 · +408% births
1970	#1446	71	▲ up 323 · +73% births
1965	#1769	41	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Lindsey

Best Year1985Rank #37

Peak Count8,467

Average Rank#1092

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1940 - 202320 years

The story of Lindsey

Lindsey entered American naming records in 1924 and has been in use for over 100 years. Its peak popularity was #35 in 1983. More than 164,359 babies have been named Lindsey since 1924. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4390 in 1940 to #1282 in 2023. Lindsey is used for both genders: 95% female and 5% male.

Names that peaked alongside Lindsey in 1983:

Jennifer Jessica Amanda Ashley Sarah

Lindsey by decade

Lindsey peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	109
1890s	105
1900s	145
1910s	493
1920s	596
1930s	590
1940s	919
1950s	2,014
1960s	1,570
1970s	8,445
1980s ★	73,020
1990s	49,400
2000s	21,807
2010s	4,893
2020s	253

What are good nicknames for Lindsey?

Common

LinLiIndsey

What names sound and feel like Lindsey?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lindsey also consider these

Linsey

English · From the Linden

Lindley

American · Lime tree meadow

Lindzey

American · English

Kindsey

American · A beloved name

Lyndsey

American · From the island

Cindey

English · a variant of

Lendsey

American · Variation of the

Kirsey

English · Dark-haired

How is Lindsey written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Lindsey

What does the name Lindsey mean?

Lindsey means "Lincoln's island" — a name rooted in English 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 Lindsey?

Lindsey is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Lindsey?

Lindsey originates from English tradition. English 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 Lindsey?

Lindsey is a two-syllable name pronounced L IH1 N D Z IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Lindsey a common or rare name?

Lindsey is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.