Linux

♂ Boy

Pronounced LIN-ux /ˈlɪn.ʊks/Medium

Meaning: As a given name Linux is a very modern, tech-inspired pick borrowed from the Linux operating system, named after its creator Linus Torvalds; Linus itself is a Greek name meaning 'flax.' Routes uncertain as a first name — we note it.Low

In 30 seconds: A tech-flavored coinage: Linux borrows from the operating system (rooted in Linus, 'flax'), said 'LIN-ux.' A modern pick — routes uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowAmerican, Greek

MeaningAs a given name Linux is a very modern, tech-inspired pick borrowed from the Linux operating system, named after its creator Linus Torvalds; Linus itself is a Greek name meaning 'flax.' Routes uncertain as a first name — we note it.

U.S. rank (2024)#10466 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 82

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

Linux is best known as the open-source operating system named for Linus Torvalds; Linus traces to the Greek for 'flax.' As a boy's given name it reads as a very modern, tech-inspired coinage — routes uncertain, which we note. Very rare (said 'LIN-ux').

It appears only very rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, modern, and tech-flavored.

Did you know? Linux takes its sound from the famous open-source operating system, named for creator Linus Torvalds — Linus itself being a Greek name meaning 'flax.' As a baby name it's a modern tech nod, which we note (said 'LIN-ux').

Overall data confidence 28%

References — Linux — tech coinage from OS / Linus 'flax'; routes uncertain

Variations

LinusLynuxLennox

Nicknames

LinNux

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Linux…

Linus— the classic root behind it

Lennox— a like -nox sounding name

Maddox— a like modern -x name

Knox— a like crisp -x pick

Explore names like Linux

By themeuncertain modern coinage

By meaningGift / Blessing

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Linux mean?

Linux borrows from the operating system named for Linus Torvalds; Linus itself is Greek for 'flax.' As a name it's a modern tech coinage, which we note.

How do you pronounce Linux?

It's said LIN-ux /ˈlɪn.ʊks/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Linux a boy or girl name?

Linux is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Linux?

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