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HomeBaby Names DirectoryLindsey

Lindsey

♀ Girl

Pronounced LIN-zee /ˈlɪn.ziː/Low

Meaning: Lincoln's wetland or island; from an English place nameLow

In 30 seconds: Lindsey is an Old English place name turned surname turned given name, meaning Lincoln's wetland. It was originally a Scottish clan name before becoming a popular unisex given name, especially for girls in the United States.
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Origin LowEnglish, Scottish
MeaningLincoln's wetland or island; from an English place name
U.S. rank (2024)#1285 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births180 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1984
Total births (all-time)≈ 157,390

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198419242024

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

Lindsey originated as an Old English place name from Lindes eg, meaning Lincoln's island or wetland. It became a Scottish and English surname, then transitioned to a given name in the 20th century. The spelling Lindsay was originally more masculine; Lindsey became the preferred feminine form.

Lindsey peaked in the United States as a girl's name in the 1980s and 1990s. Famous bearers including actress Lindsay Lohan (with the -ay spelling) helped maintain the name's visibility. It remains a recognizable classic today.

Did you know? Lindsey derives from the historical English region of Lindsey in Lincolnshire, one of the three ancient subdivisions of that county. Lindum (Lincoln) combined with Old English eg meaning island or waterland.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Lindsay

Variations

LindsayLyndsayLyndseyLinsay

Nicknames

LinLinz

Famous Bearers

  • Lindsey Vonn (1984–present)
    American alpine ski racer and Olympic gold medalist
  • Lindsey Stirling (1986–present)
    American violinist, dancer and YouTube performer

If you like Lindsey…

Lindsay— Most common alternative spelling
Kinsey— Similar surname-derived two-syllable name
Brittney— Same era of popular US girl names
Whitney— Surname-derived feminine name of same generation

Explore names like Lindsey

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Frequently Asked

What does Lindsey mean?

Lindsey means Lincoln's wetland or island, from the Old English place name Lindsey in Lincolnshire, England.

Is Lindsey a boy or girl name?

Lindsey is used for both, but in the US it is predominantly used as a girl's name. Lindsay with an a is more common for boys.

How do you pronounce Lindsey?

Lindsey is pronounced LIN-zee, with two syllables.

What are famous people named Lindsey?

Notable Lindseys include Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn and violinist Lindsey Stirling.

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