The name Linus is a boy's name of Greek origin meaning "flax". Linus and is often added to lists like Unique Boy Names: Unusual and Rare and discussed in our forums with posts like "A brother or sister for little Jack or Olivia".
From the experts:
Can Linus lose its metaphorical security blanket and move from the Peanuts page onto the birth certificate? We think it has enough charm and other positive elements going for it for the answer to be yes.
In Greek myth, Linus is both a musician and poet, the inventor of rhythm and melody who taught music to Hercules. In the Christian era, Linus was the name of the second pope, Saint Peter's successor, while in modern times chemist Linus Pauling was awarded the Nobel Prize twice.
Humphrey Bogart as Linus Larrabee won the heart of Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina, and Matt Damon played Linus Caldwell in three of the Oceans movies.
Linus is currently in or around the Top 50 in Germany, Sweden and Norway, and is one of the most popular boys' names on Nameberry.
Lists containing Linus:
- Names That Mean Blond
- Geek Chic Names for Boys
- Colonial Names for Boys
- Unique Baby Names: Unusual and Rare
- Vintage Boy Names
- Offbeat Baby Names
- Vintage Baby Names
- Unusual Boy Names
- Olympic Baby Names
- Unusual Biblical Baby Names
- Boy Baby Names That End in S
- Ancient Roman Names for Boys
- Papal Names
- Saints' Names For Boys
- Cool Classic Boy Names — 100+ below the Top 1000
- Unique Boy Names: Unusual and Rare
- Greek Baby Names for Modern Kids
- Urban Prairie Names
- Boy Names Uncommon in the US
- September Baby Names
- Bold Bohemian Names for Boys
Comments
zemma96 Says:
mill1020 Says:
Starting to like this one lately.
LostKid Says:
Its sound is really unappealing to me.
littlepenelope Says:
My little Linus is 5 years old, and while his name stands out among the Bryson's, Aiden's, and Jayden's in his class, he blends in with the Oliver's and Silas's. To his friends, Linus is just another name. And I'm fairly certain none of the other kids in his class have any idea who the Peanut's character is. We get plenty of comments about that from grown-ups, but none from other children.
Floris Says:
I German (and also in Swedish) it's Lee-Nus. The last syllable like sinus, but the i is an ee.....
WintryMix Says:
Right. I think the whole "Oh, that name will get them teased on the playground" mentality is quite behind the times...I suppose the neighborhood and region make some difference, but honestly, which of my son Linus's playmates do you see teasing him about his name: Desmond? Olive? Finnegan? Rowena? Atticus? I mean, we've come a long way from the playground being a sea of Matts and Jims.
WintryMix Says:
Clearly you have not met my 4 year old son Linus. :)
EW314 Says:
Lovely. The Peanuts thing just isn't an issue now, just like Casper and that ghost everyone's always going on about.
LadyOh Says:
Hardly anyone I know who is a toddler right now knows about the Peanuts reference. I can't think of any other reason a kid named, "Linus" will be more likely to get bullied. So it's a soft-sounding name, shrugs. The child and the nurturing of the child will come into play.
Zelliew Says:
I think Leo would be better
headintheclouds Says:
Linus sounds like a very happy and pleasant name, while also being an unusual glamorous, Golden Age-type classic. I like it in theory, but personally I can't get over the fact that it rhymes with sinus and it makes me think of the other (decidedly unpleasant) things I associate with sinuses! To those who don't have my problem, I think Linus is really great.
eveyalecia Says:
Yes, I know the character, but what does that have to do with a real little boy named Linus? Do you really find it likely that young kids will tease someone about a character that they'll probably only know of from the Charlie Brown Christmas special? And I don't really think Linus, the Peanuts character, is very tease-worthy anyway... not any more so than Charlie for always being gullible and "good grief", Lucy for being bossy, etc.
And, even if a Linus would get teased for his name, that doesn't mean he wouldn't "stand up for himself," as the first comment doubts. That's what I don't understand-- the idea that names will affect behavior.
cengel73 Says:
You know - from the cartoon The Peanuts???
eveyalecia Says:
I don't understand this line of thinking... what does a name have to do with personality? Any given boy may or may not be the type to "stand up for himself on the playground", regardless of his name. If you're saying that Linus is particularly tease-worthy... why? I don't see anything wrong with it.
Kibby Says:
My best friend is a Linus, the answer to this is a definite no, for him anyway.
Kibby Says:
Does NOT rhyme with male anatomy. Lie-nus.
lottalove99 Says:
Do you pronounce this one LEE-NUS or LIE-NUS????
clairels Says:
Sure it's sweet, but can a Linus stand up for himself on the playground? I just don't see it.
LcLauver Says:
lol Aw! For shame! I see where you're getting at though.
Guest Says:
I unfortunately think of sinuses or migraines. :(
LcLauver Says:
I agree. Linus is a solid, strong name with a sweet side.
Addie88 Says:
I think this name is precious.
lesliemarion Says:
This is one of the most pleasant, comforting (that blanket, vitamin C!) male names I can think of. I smile whenever I see it.
Sunshine.10 Says:
I think this name is handsome, sweet, and versatile. I love the Sabrina connection (Humphrey Bogart/Harrison Ford)!
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sounds like the type of guy to steal a dream journal