Meaning, pronunciation, and vibe

Linus

Boy

Greek · English /ˈlaɪnəs/; German /ˈliːnʊs/

Linus is the Latin form of Greek Linos. Its precise meaning is uncertain, while its connection with music in Greek myth is established.

Origin

Greek

Pronunciation

English /ˈlaɪnəs/; German /ˈliːnʊs/

Meaning & vibe
Quick snapshot to help you decide if it fits your shortlist.

Uncertain; sometimes linked with flax

Linus is a masculine name, the Latin form of Greek Linos. Its literal meaning remains uncertain. A link with the Greek word for flax is often given, but it is not the only interpretation, so the name need not be understood as a straightforward plant name. Linos appears as a musician in Greek myth, giving Linus a cultural connection beyond a disputed definition. That musical background may add to its appeal if you like classical names with a gentle sound. The l and n flow into a more definite s ending. English /ˈlaɪnəs/ and German /ˈliːnʊs/ give the opening different vowel sounds.

Etymology: Latin form of Greek Linos, whose ultimate meaning is unsettled.

ClassicGentle
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Spelling table

LLima
IIndia
NNovember
UUniform
SSierra
Morse code

Code

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Braille

Braille

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Name popularity

Latest year: 2025

  • Boys

    Rank1,913

Linus: Annual name popularity · United States · Boys · Rank · 2006–2025Boys: rank over time. Lower numbers indicate higher popularity. Gaps mean no reported rank.11,0142,027Boys · 2006: Rank 2,027Boys · 2007: Rank 1,679Boys · 2008: Rank 1,460Boys · 2009: Rank 1,508Boys · 2010: Rank 1,420Boys · 2011: Rank 1,349Boys · 2012: Rank 1,257Boys · 2013: Rank 1,325Boys · 2014: Rank 1,160Boys · 2015: Rank 1,155Boys · 2016: Rank 1,363Boys · 2017: Rank 1,147Boys · 2018: Rank 1,259Boys · 2019: Rank 1,520Boys · 2020: Rank 1,405Boys · 2021: Rank 1,550Boys · 2022: Rank 1,442Boys · 2023: Rank 1,542Boys · 2024: Rank 1,425Boys · 2025: Rank 1,91320062025
Source

SSA records cover Social Security card applications, not every US birth. Names with fewer than 5 occurrences are omitted; gaps do not mean zero. Spellings are kept separate, except that SSA removes spaces and hyphens. Equal counts are ranked alphabetically. Ranks are calculated separately for boys and girls.

Social Security Administration

Origins, variants & nicknames
Names with roots in the Greek language or Greek naming traditions.

Origin

Greek

Origin

Latin