Origin and Meaning of Linda

Beautiful, pretty

Origin: Spanish - Originally a diminutive of the Spanish name 'Belinda', which itself is believed to be derived from Spanish 'linda', meaning 'pretty' or 'beautiful'.

• Linda became widely popular in the mid-20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, and is often associated with the 1942 hit song 'Linda' by Buddy Holly.
• In many cultures, the name Linda is used as a standalone name as well as a diminutive for names like Belinda or Melinda.
• Notable bearers of the name include Linda McCartney, an American photographer and animal rights activist, and Linda Ronstadt, a famous American singer and songwriter.
• In the United States, Linda reached its peak popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, often ranking as one of the top names for girls born during that time.
• Variations of the name can be found in other languages, such as 'Líndia' (Portuguese) and 'Lina' (Arabic), though the meaning may differ slightly.