Lina is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "līna", which means "flax" or "linen". It is also associated with the Latin word "līnum", meaning "flax plant".
The name Lina has been used throughout history and across different cultures. In Italy, it has been a popular given name for centuries, often given to girls born around the time of the harvest season due to its agricultural roots.
In some cases, Lina is also considered a short form or variant of other feminine names such as Adelina, Emiliana, or Valentina. However, it can also stand alone as an independent given name.
Despite its historic usage and Latin origins, Lina is not widely recognized as a traditional name in English-speaking countries like the United States or the United Kingdom. Instead, it is more commonly found in Southern European nations such as Italy, Spain, and Portugal, as well as in South American countries with strong Italian influences.
Today, Lina remains a unique and distinct feminine given name, evoking images of ancient Roman culture and agricultural heritage. Its meaning, associated with the natural fibers used to make cloth, gives it a grounded and earthy feel that may appeal to parents seeking an unconventional yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Lina has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century and a half. Between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of 18,418 births registered as Lina.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that the name's popularity has fluctuated over time. In the late 19th to early 20th century, the number of girls named Lina ranged from around 30 to 60 per year. The name experienced a significant increase in popularity during World War I, with the highest number of births recorded in 1917 (115) and 1918 (104).
After the war, the popularity of the name Lina declined, dropping below 50 births per year between 1923 and 1936. However, it started to regain traction in the late 1940s and early 1950s, with over 70 births recorded each year from 1947 onwards.
The 1960s saw another significant rise in the popularity of the name Lina, with over 80 births registered annually between 1963 and 1979. This trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with the number of births reaching triple digits for the first time since World War I.
The early 2000s marked a turning point in the popularity of the name Lina, with the annual birth count surpassing 300 for the first time in history. This trend has continued into the current decade, with over 400 births recorded annually between 2017 and 2023.
In recent years, the name Lina has become increasingly popular among parents in the United States. In fact, it was the 296th most popular girls' name in the country in 2021, with a total of 514 births registered that year alone. This represents a significant increase from previous decades and suggests that the name Lina will continue to be a popular choice for parents in the years to come.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate the enduring appeal of the name Lina among American parents over the past century and a half. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, the name has remained a consistent favorite, with thousands of girls being named Lina each year.