Surname Linda - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Linda: What does the surname Linda mean?
The surname Linda does not have a specific meaning as it primarily functions as a given name rather than a last name. As a first name, Linda originated from Germanic languages, meaning "soft" or "tender." It was also derived from the Spanish language, where it is often used as an adjective meaning "beautiful" or "pretty". However, the history, ancestry, and origin of Linda as a surname can vary widely depending on the family, culture, or country of origin. Ascertaining a meaning for the surname would therefore necessitate research into a specific family line. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that most western surnames don't carry intrinsic meanings as given names often do.
Order DNA origin analysisLinda: Where does the name Linda come from?
The surname Linda is of multiple origins. It may come from Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, or Nordic countries. The name has variations in spelling like Lind, Lindt or Lynda in these regions. In Italian, Linda means "beautiful". In German, Swedish and Norwegian, Linda originates from the Germanic word "lind" or "linde" meaning "soft" or "tender". In Dutch, Linda originates from the word "linde" that means "lime tree".
Today, the surname Linda is quite rare and you can find individuals with this last name all around the world. However, notable concentrations of people bearing this surname are present in the United States, South Africa, Indonesia, Brazil, and several countries in Europe, particularly Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. Please note, while in English-speaking countries Linda is commonly used as a first name, finding it as a surname or last name remains rare.
Variations of the surname Linda
The name Linda is predominantly a feminine first name, not commonly used as a surname. A search in global naming databases reveals relatively limited variants and origins for Linda as a family name. However, it can still be found in diverse forms all over the world due to different local cultures and languages.
Alternate spellings may include Linder, Lind, Lindo, and Lynda. The name can also manifest in compound names; examples include Lindberg, Lindstrom, Lindley, and Lindeman, where 'Lind' or 'Lindt' often signifies 'lime tree' in Swedish and German. Originating from different roots, the Italian Lindoro means 'Golden Linden Tree,' whereas 'de Linda' and 'del Linda' are seen in Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking regions, meaning 'from the beautiful (place).' The Dutch 'Van der Linda' and 'Vanderlinda' mean 'from the linden tree.'
Although the surname 'Linda' appears to lack many direct variations, related names such as those mentioned can offer a richer picture of the name's diversity. Despite being mainly a first name, the use of 'Linda' as a surname speaks to the fluidity and adaptability of names across cultures and time.
Famous people with the name Linda
- Linda Lovelace: American pornographic actress and activist.
- Linda Hamilton: Actress best known for her portrayal of Sarah Connor in the Terminator franchise.
- Linda Carter: Singer and actress, she is best known for her role as Wonder Woman in the 1970s television series.
- Linda Evangelista: Canadian supermodel.
- Linda Ronstadt: American rock and pop singer.
- Linda Gray: American actress best known for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing in the Dallas television series.
- Linda McCartney: Musician, photographer and animal rights activist, she was the first wife of Sir Paul McCartney.
- Linda Thompson: American actress, songwriter, and author.
- Linda Belcher: Character Actress in the TV show Bob's Burgers.
- Linda Lavin: American stage, television and movie actress best known for her role in Alice.