Lincoln: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
Lincoln is an English place-name and surname, from the Roman Lindum Colonia, 'the colony by the pool'.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- LING-kunˈlɪŋ.kən
- Origin
- English
- Meaning
- Lincoln is an English place-name and surname, from the Roman Lindum Colonia, 'the colony by the pool'.
- Gender
- Boy's name
- Syllables
- 2
- Nicknames
- Linc, Link
- US Popularity (2025)
- #69 — 📉 Falling
What Does Lincoln Mean?
Lincoln is the name of the English city, which goes back to the Romans. They called it Lindum Colonia, combining a Celtic word lindo, 'pool', with the Latin colonia, 'settlement for retired soldiers'. It became a surname for people from the city and an American first name mostly because of one man.
Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States, led the country through the Civil War and signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Many boys named Lincoln today are named for him, directly or indirectly.
The name entered the US top 100 in the 2010s, peaked at #40 in 2020, and has settled around #69. Lincoln Kirstein, who co-founded the New York City Ballet with George Balanchine, and Lincoln Loud in the cartoon 'The Loud House' are two other bearers.
How Popular Is Lincoln?
Lincoln rose from #66 in 2015 to a peak of #40 in 2020, then slipped to #73 in 2024 and #69 in 2025.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with Lincoln
Classic pairings
- Lincoln James
- Lincoln William
- Lincoln Alexander
- Lincoln Henry
Modern pairings
- Lincoln Atlas
- Lincoln Wilder
- Lincoln Beckett
- Lincoln Jasper
One-syllable options
- Lincoln Reid
- Lincoln Cole
- Lincoln Grant
- Lincoln Blake
Family-name bridges
- Lincoln John
- Lincoln David
- Lincoln Thomas
- Lincoln Joseph
Names Similar to Lincoln
If you love Lincoln, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with Lincoln
💙 Brother names
💗 Sister names
Famous People Named Lincoln
- Abraham LincolnSixteenth president of the United States, who led the Union through the Civil War.
- Lincoln KirsteinAmerican arts patron who co-founded the New York City Ballet.
- Lincoln LoudThe only boy among eleven children and the main character of the animated series 'The Loud House'.
Browse More Baby Names
Baby names starting with L · Gender-neutral baby names · Biblical baby names · All baby names
Frequently Asked Questions About Lincoln
Is Lincoln a boy or girl name?
Lincoln is primarily a boy's name. It is very rarely used for girls.
How do you pronounce Lincoln?
Lincoln is pronounced LING-kun (IPA: ˈlɪŋ.kən). It has 2 syllables. Common nicknames include Linc, Link.
Is Lincoln an English name?
Lincoln is of English origin. Lincoln is an English place-name and surname, from the Roman Lindum Colonia, 'the colony by the pool'.
What does Lincoln mean?
Lincoln is an English place-name and surname, from the Roman Lindum Colonia, 'the colony by the pool'.
Lincoln is the name of the English city, which goes back to the Romans. They called it Lindum Colonia, combining a Celtic word lindo, 'pool', with the Latin colonia, 'settlement for retired soldiers'. It became a surname for people from the city and an American first name mostly because of one man.
Is Lincoln a popular name in 2026?
Yes, Lincoln is a highly popular name. It ranked #69 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is gradually declining in popularity but still firmly mainstream. Lincoln rose from #66 in 2015 to a peak of #40 in 2020, then slipped to #73 in 2024 and #69 in 2025.
What are good middle names for Lincoln?
Good middle names for Lincoln include classic choices like Lincoln James and Lincoln William, modern options like Lincoln Atlas and Lincoln Wilder, and crisp one-syllable pairings like Lincoln Reid and Lincoln Cole. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
Discussing Lincoln with your partner?
Match on it in Namely — swipe through baby names together, and celebrate when you both say yes to the same one.