Lin

♀ Girl

Pronounced LIN /ˈlɪn/High

Meaning: In romanized Chinese, Lin is a very common surname and a given-name element; the meaning depends on the character written, most often the one meaning 'forest', though others are used. In English it also serves as a short form of Linda, Linden or Lynn. It is unisex in both traditions. Meaning by character, so routes uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: Lin is a very common Chinese name — most often the character for 'forest' — and an English short form of Linda (said 'LIN'). Unisex, which we note.

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Origin LowChinese, English

MeaningIn romanized Chinese, Lin is a very common surname and a given-name element; the meaning depends on the character written, most often the one meaning 'forest', though others are used. In English it also serves as a short form of Linda, Linden or Lynn. It is unisex in both traditions. Meaning by character, so routes uncertain, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#14471 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1952

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,027

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Lin is one of the most common Chinese surnames and a frequent given-name element, most familiarly the character meaning 'forest'; other characters give other senses, so the meaning cannot be read from the romanization alone. In English-speaking families Lin is a clipped Linda or Lynn. It is used for both girls and boys, which we note (said 'LIN').

It appears only rarely as a standalone in U.S. records. Rare here, extremely common in Chinese-speaking countries.

Did you know? In Chinese, meaning follows the character, not the sound: Lin can be 'forest' or something else entirely depending on how it is written. And in English it is simply short for Linda. Routes uncertain, which we note (said 'LIN').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Lin — Chinese surname/given name, meaning by character; English short form of Linda; unisex

Variations

LynLynnLinh

Nicknames

LinnyLulu

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Lin…

Lynn— the English name it shortens

Linh— a like Vietnamese single-beat name

Mei— a like short Chinese given name

Wren— a like crisp one-syllable pick

Explore names like Lin

By themeuncertain unisex short chinese

By meaningGift / Blessing Earth / Nature

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Lin mean?

In Chinese, Lin most often means 'forest', but the meaning depends on the character written. In English it is a short form of Linda or Lynn. Routes uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Lin?

It's said LIN /ˈlɪn/ — one syllable.

Is Lin a boy or girl name?

Lin is unisex in both Chinese and English use; here it is a girl's name, and we note the unisex lean.

How popular is Lin?

Lin is rare as a standalone name in the U.S., but extremely common in Chinese-speaking countries.