Linus
From Latin Linus, Ancient Greek Λῖνος (Lînos), of uncertain meaning.
Every Linus since 1882 — 5,342 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Linus
Linus is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #1,913 in 2025 with 82 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1882, 5,342 American babies have been named Linus. Its peak came in 2017, when 166 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2010s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Linus stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Linus year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 82 | #1,913 |
| 2024 | 129 | #1,425 |
| 2023 | 114 | #1,542 |
| 2022 | 126 | #1,442 |
| 2021 | 113 | #1,550 |
| 2020 | 124 | #1,405 |
| 2019 | 112 | #1,520 |
| 2018 | 147 | #1,259 |
| 2017 | 166 | #1,147 |
| 2016 | 131 | #1,363 |
| 2015 | 163 | #1,155 |
| 2014 | 163 | #1,160 |
| 2013 | 130 | #1,325 |
| 2012 | 141 | #1,257 |
| 2011 | 126 | #1,349 |
| 2010 | 117 | #1,420 |
| 2009 | 111 | #1,508 |
| 2008 | 113 | #1,460 |
| 2007 | 91 | #1,679 |
| 2006 | 66 | #2,027 |
| 2005 | 66 | #1,935 |
| 2004 | 63 | #1,946 |
| 2003 | 50 | #2,193 |
| 2002 | 41 | #2,458 |
| 2001 | 44 | #2,297 |
| 2000 | 48 | #2,113 |
| 1995 | 18 | #3,641 |
| 1990 | 15 | #3,894 |
| 1985 | 8 | #4,984 |
| 1980 | 17 | #2,799 |
| 1975 | 14 | #2,843 |
| 1970 | 14 | #2,585 |
| 1965 | 21 | #1,758 |
| 1960 | 34 | #1,374 |
| 1955 | 31 | #1,388 |
| 1950 | 28 | #1,382 |
| 1945 | 32 | #1,175 |
| 1940 | 45 | #958 |
| 1935 | 36 | #1,089 |
| 1930 | 34 | #1,227 |
| 1925 | 54 | #919 |
| 1920 | 55 | #936 |
| 1915 | 47 | #911 |
| 1910 | 8 | #1,268 |
| 1905 | 7 | #1,043 |
| 1900 | 6 | #1,253 |
| 1895 | 5 | #1,182 |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | 5 | #1,026 |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Linus
- Linus Pauling Chemist · 1901–1994
- Linus Torvalds Computer scientist · b. 1969
- Linus Roache Actor · b. 1964
- Linus Gerdemann Cyclist · b. 1982
- Linus Omark Hockey player · b. 1987
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Linus mean?
From Latin Linus, Ancient Greek Λῖνος (Lînos), of uncertain meaning.
How popular is the name Linus in 2025?
Linus ranked #1,913 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 82 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Linus?
5,342 babies have been named Linus in the United States since 1882, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Linus most popular?
Linus peaked in 2017, when 166 newborns received the name.
Is Linus a boy or girl name?
Linus is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Linus rising or falling?
Linus is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Linus?
Well-known people named Linus include Linus Pauling (chemist), Linus Torvalds (computer scientist), Linus Roache (actor).