Lynn

♂ Boy

Pronounced LIN /ˈlɪn/High

Meaning: From Welsh llyn, 'a lake; a pool, a waterfall'; predominantly a girls'/unisex name; here for boysLow

In 30 seconds: A lake; a pool: Lynn is Welsh for 'a lake'. Soft, crisp, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys).

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Origin LowWelsh

MeaningFrom Welsh llyn, 'a lake; a pool, a waterfall'; predominantly a girls'/unisex name; here for boys

U.S. rank (2025)#6032 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births15 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1947

Total births (all-time)≈ 52,390

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

Lynn comes from Welsh llyn, 'a lake; a pool, a waterfall'. Historically used for boys (as a surname and given name), it became predominantly a girls'/unisex name in the 20th century. A soft, crisp name, used here for boys (slug distinguished; nickname Lyn).

It registers thinly for boys today. Rare for boys, a-lake at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Lynn means 'a lake; a pool, a waterfall' (Welsh llyn) — a soft, crisp name, used for both sexes (here for boys; it was historically more a boys' name, then shifted to girls'; said 'LIN').

Overall data confidence 55%

Behind the Name — Lynn — root etymology

Variations

LynLinnLynne

Nicknames

Lyn

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Lynn…

Glenn— a fellow short Celtic nature boys' name

Wynn— a companion Welsh boys' name

Quinn— a kin short unisex name

Bryn— another Welsh nature name

Explore names like Lynn

By themeunisex nature welsh

By meaningSea / Water

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Lynn mean?

Lynn is Welsh for 'a lake; a pool, a waterfall'.

How do you pronounce Lynn?

It's said LIN /ˈlɪn/ — one syllable.

Is Lynn a boy or girl name?

Lynn is used for both sexes (now predominantly girls'); this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Lynn?

Lynn is rare for boys in the U.S.