Lin

♂ Boy

Pronounced LIN /ˈlɪn/High

Meaning: Lin is a romanization of several different Chinese characters — the most familiar means 'forest', another 'fine jade', another 'unceasing rain'. Because the romanized spelling does not tell you which character is meant, the meaning is uncertain, which we note. In English, Lin also serves as a short form of Linwood or Lindsay.Low

In 30 seconds: Lin romanizes a Chinese name most often read as 'forest' — but the character decides, which we note (said 'LIN'). One clean beat.

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Origin LowChinese, English

MeaningLin is a romanization of several different Chinese characters — the most familiar means 'forest', another 'fine jade', another 'unceasing rain'. Because the romanized spelling does not tell you which character is meant, the meaning is uncertain, which we note. In English, Lin also serves as a short form of Linwood or Lindsay.

U.S. rank (2024)#13399 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1959

Total births (all-time)≈ 863

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 great Chinese surnames and also a given name; in romanized form it stands for several distinct characters, the best known meaning 'forest' — two trees side by side. Which sense a family intends depends on the character chosen, so the meaning is uncertain, which we note. Separately, Lin has long served in English as a short form of Linwood, Linden and Lindsay (said 'LIN').

It is very rare as a first name in the U.S. Rare, spare, and single-beat.

Did you know? Romanized Chinese names hide their meaning: Lin can be the character for 'forest', for 'fine jade' or for 'steady rain'. Without the character, the meaning is uncertain, which we note.

Overall data confidence 36%

References — Lin — Romanized Chinese; meaning depends on character; also English short form

Variations

LinnLynnLim

Nicknames

LinnyL

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Lin…

Linus— a like Lin- opening name

Lincoln— a like Lin- pick with more length

Kai— a like short cross-cultural choice

Jian— a like romanized Chinese name

Explore names like Lin

By themeuncertain short one-syllable chinese

By meaningEarth / Nature

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Lin mean?

Lin romanizes several Chinese characters — most familiarly 'forest', but also 'fine jade' and others. The meaning depends on the character, which we note.

How do you pronounce Lin?

It's said LIN /ˈlɪn/ — one syllable.

Is Lin a boy or girl name?

Lin is used here as a boy's name; in Chinese it is given to both, and Lynn is a girls' name in English.

How popular is Lin?

Lin is a very rare first name for boys in the U.S.