Historically, Lincoln is a place name with deep roots in Roman Britain, derived from the settlement of Lindum Colonia. It signifies a “settlement by the pool,” blending Celtic and Latin origins. Today, it represents a bridge between the past and the future, a name that commands respect on a resume but sounds friendly on the playground.
Verdict: Lincoln is a fantastic choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the “surname-as-first-name” trend that parents love but avoids feeling fleeting or made-up. It is a timeless classic that feels right at home in the 21st century.
Lincoln Overview
- Meaning: Lincoln means “lake colony.”
- Gender: Lincoln is traditionally a male’s name.
- Origin: Lincoln originates from Lynn, an Old English word for lake, and Colonia, a Latin word for the colony.
- Pronunciation: “Link-on”
- Popularity: The name is mildly popular in the United States.
- Nicknames: Abe, Honest Abe, Linky, Linken, Link, Lee, Li, Conny, Connie.
- Variations: Lincon, Linkin, Linken, Linkon, Link.
- Namesakes: Abraham Lincoln, Abbey Lincoln, Benjamin Lincoln.
What Does Lincoln Mean?
At first glance, the definition of Lincoln is often cited simply as “lake colony.” However, to understand the true depth of the name, we must look at the geography of ancient England. The name is a contraction of the Latin phrase Lindum Colonia.
“Lindum” itself comes from the Brythonic (Celtic) word llyn, which means a pool or a lake. The second half, “coln,” is derived from the Latin colonia, meaning a colony or settlement. Therefore, the name poetically describes a community established near the water. It suggests a person who is grounded, community-oriented, and fluid, much like the water the name originated from.
Where Does the Name Lincoln Come From?
Lincoln is an Old English name with a fascinating stratified history. It is technically a “habitational surname,” meaning it was originally used to describe people who came from the city of Lincoln in England.
The etymology is a perfect fusion of cultures, mixing Germanic influence with Latin roots. The city of Lincoln began as an Iron Age settlement before the Romans conquered it in the first century and renamed it Lindum Colonia. Over centuries of linguistic shifts, the mouthful “Lindum Colonia” was shortened and softened into the two-syllable “Lincoln” (1).
While it existed as a surname for centuries, its usage as a given name is distinctly American. It surged in usage as a way to honor Abraham Lincoln immediately following the Civil War, cementing its status as a patriotic “hero name.”
How Popular is the Name Lincoln?
For much of the 20th century, Lincoln was a sleepy choice, respected but rarely used, hovering in the background of American naming charts. It was seen as strictly “presidential” rather than personal.
However, the trajectory of Lincoln changed drastically in the early 2000s. As parents began seeking softer, vowel-heavy surnames like Mason and Jackson, Lincoln fit the criteria perfectly. It skyrocketed from relative obscurity in the 1990s to breaking into the Top 100 in 2011.
In 2025, Lincoln is no longer just a rising star; it is a modern staple. It consistently ranks in the Top 50 boy names in the US (2). It has transitioned from a tribute name to a style icon, beloved for its crisp sound and solid history.
How Do I Pronounce Lincoln?
The standard pronunciation in American English is LINK-in.
Depending on the region, the second syllable can be swallowed slightly, sounding more like LINK-un. It is worth noting that the second “L” in the spelling is silent. You do not pronounce it “Lin-col-n.”
Is Lincoln a Boy or Girl Name?
Lincoln is overwhelmingly used as a masculine name. The association with “Honest Abe” keeps it firmly planted in the boy’s camp for most parents.
However, in the era of gender-neutral naming, Lincoln has seen usage for girls, often by parents looking for a spunky, authoritative alternative to names like Brooklyn or Kennedy. It remains a rare choice for girls but follows the trend of presidential surnames becoming unisex, similar to Reagan or Madison.
Variations of Lincoln
Because Lincoln is a specific English place name, it does not have traditional translations like “Juan” for “John.” Most variations are modern phonetic spellings used to differentiate a child’s name.
- Linkin: A modern spelling, often associated with the band Linkin Park.
- Linc: A punchy, shortened version often used as a standalone name.
- Lincon: A phonetic spelling that drops the silent ‘l’.
- Lyncoln: A variation sometimes used to feminize the name or add a unique flair.
Nicknames for Lincoln
Lincoln is a name that sounds great in its full form, but it also offers versatile nickname options ranging from the obvious to the creative.
Common Nicknames:
- Linc / Link: The most intuitive and cool short form.
- Abe: A nod to the presidential namesake.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Cole: By isolating the middle sound of the name, you get this classic charcoal-cool moniker.
- Lio / Leo: Pulling the first and last letters creates a lion-hearted nickname.
- Colonie: A playful, affectionate nickname derived from the name’s Latin root meaning.
Names Similar to Lincoln
If you love the vibe of Lincoln, stately, surname-style, and ending in ‘n’, but aren’t sure it’s “the one,” consider these alternatives with a similar spirit.
- Landon: Shares the “L” start and “on” ending but feels slightly more gentle and romantic.
- Harrison: Another presidential surname that feels distinguished and upper-crust.
- Hudson: A geographic river name that matches Lincoln’s trendy, metropolitan feel.
- Silas: Shares the rustic, woodsy, 19th-century vibe of Lincoln.
- Franklin: A vintage choice that offers the same “k” sound and statesman legacy.
- Calvin: A presidential contemporary that is quirky, cool, and undeniably classic.
- Bennett: A soft surname name that is polished and polite.
- Grant: A one-syllable punch of history that pairs beautifully with Lincoln.
Middle Names for Lincoln
Because Lincoln is a two-syllable name with a strong consonant ending, it pairs well with a variety of middle names.
Classic & Timeless
These names lean into the statesman quality of Lincoln, creating a name that sounds distinguished on a diploma.
Modern & Edgy
To balance the vintage feel, try a short, punchy middle name that gives the combination some modern swagger.
- Lincoln Jett
- Lincoln Cruz
- Lincoln Gray
- Lincoln Fox
- Lincoln Hayes
- Lincoln Cole
Soft & Vowel-Heavy
Since Lincoln has hard consonant sounds (k/n), softer middle names can create a pleasing rhythm.
Sibling Names for Lincoln
Creating a sib-set around Lincoln requires finding names that are equally recognizable but not overused.
For a Brother
- Jackson: Matches the surname trend and popularity level.
- Theodore: Shares the presidential history and offers the nickname Theo.
- Wyatt: A Western, rugged name that complements Lincoln’s woodsy vibe.
- Everett: A sophisticated, soft-consonant name that sounds great with Lincoln.
- George: The ultimate classic pairing.
For a Sister
- Harper: Literary, modern, and unisex-leaning, this is a perfect stylistic match.
- Charlotte: A feminine classic that holds its own against the strong Lincoln.
- Eleanor: A name with deep historical roots and First Lady elegance.
- Kennedy: If you want to lean fully into the presidential theme.
- Hazel: An earthy, vintage name that brings out the nature meaning of Lincoln.
Famous People Named Lincoln
- Abraham Lincoln: The 16th U.S. President, famous for the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address. He is the primary reason the name is iconic today.
- Lincoln Burrows: While fictional, this main character from the TV series Prison Break helped popularize the “tough guy” image of the name in the mid-2000s.
- Abbey Lincoln: An American jazz vocalist, songwriter, and civil rights activist who was a prominent figure in the 1960s.
- Lincoln Thompson: A famous Jamaican musician and Rastafarian, known for his work in the reggae genre.
- Andrew Lincoln: The stage name of the British actor famous for playing Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead.
Lincoln in Pop Culture
The name appears frequently in media, often used for characters who are leaders, intelligent, or adventurous.
- Lincoln Loud: The white-haired protagonist of the popular animated series The Loud House.
- Link: While officially “Link,” the hero of the Legend of Zelda video game franchise is often associated with the name Lincoln by fans.
- Lincoln Campbell: An electric-powered superhero in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Lincoln Rhyme: The brilliant forensic criminalist in the book and movie The Bone Collector.
FAQs About the Name Lincoln
Is Lincoln a Rare Name?
No, Lincoln is not considered rare in the United States today. While it was uncommon prior to the 1990s, it is now a firm favorite, consistently ranking in the top 50 names for boys. You can expect your child to likely meet other Lincolns on the playground.
Is Lincoln in the Bible?
No, Lincoln is not a Biblical boy name. It is of English and Latin origin and emerged as a place name long after the Bible was written. However, many parents pair it with Biblical middle names like Lincoln Elijah or Lincoln Gabriel.
Was Abraham Lincoln the First Person Named Lincoln?
No. While Abraham Lincoln made the name iconic, he was not the first. The name existed as a surname for centuries in England before him. His own grandfather was named Captain Abraham Lincoln, showing the name’s usage in his family history long before he became president.
Is Lincoln Considered a Trendy Name?
Yes, Lincoln is considered a modern classic with trendy elements. It fits the “last names as first names” trend (like Carter and Parker) and the “ends in N” trend (like Mason and Logan). However, its historical weight prevents it from feeling like a passing fad.
Can Lincoln Be Used as a Girl’s Name?
Yes, though it is rare. In recent years, celebrities like Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard named their daughter Lincoln, sparking interest in it as a unisex option. It follows the path of other presidential names like Kennedy and Reagan becoming acceptable for girls.
