Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 LY-nus /ˈlaɪnəs/
"Linen cloth"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
Derived from the Latin word 'linum' meaning linen. In Roman mythology, Linus was a shepherd and teacher of Heracles.
Linus, a male given name, is the Latin form of the Greek name Linos. It is a common given name in Sweden. The origin of the name is unknown although the name appears in antiquity both as a musician who taught Apollo and as a son of Apollo who died in infancy.
The name Linus originates from the Greek word λῖνος (linos), meaning flax or thread. In Christian tradition, Linus was the second bishop of Rome and is mentioned in the New Testament (2 Timothy …
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: Nurturing, loving, and caring. Can also indicate a love for beauty and art.
Life Path 3 — Creativity & Expression: Charismatic, artistic, and highly communicative.
Cultural Impact
The name Linus has its roots in Roman mythology and was most notably associated with Linus, a shepherd and teacher who played a significant role in the development of the legendary hero Heracles (Hercules). This early exposure to Linus not only instilled a strong connection to the classical past but also influenced the naming trend towards mythological and biblical names, making Linus a name of antiquity. Over time, Linus has appeared often in various works of literature and art as a name for musical prodigies, reflecting the cultural value and influence of music.
Spiritual Significance
In a Christian context, the name Linus holds spiritual significance as it is linked to St. Linus, who is believed to have been bishop of Rome around 67 AD, during the time when St. Peter was a prisoner in Rome. Tradition holds that St. Linus was martyred for his faith, making his name an inspiration for those facing adversity and standing strong in their belief. Moreover, the Linus teaching tradition is integral in American culture, with Linus van Pelt, a Peanuts comic strip character who often shares his knowledge and wisdom, reflecting the importance of education and sharing the gospel message.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Linus" emerges in (Latin) tradition, carrying the core meaning "Linen cloth".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~5,261 people named Linus in the US. Peaked in 2017 with 166 recorded uses.
Linus was a Roman slave who was believed to have been freed by Saint Augustine of Hippo. Linus is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church and is the patron saint of musicians, music teachers, mathematicians, and students.
Linus was also a disciple of Saint Paul, mentioned in the New Testament in the Acts of the Apostles (16:2) as being with Paul during his first visit to Thessalonica, Greece.
Modern Usage
Linus Torvalds is a renowned figure in the technology industry, best known for creating the Linux operating system. His influence extends beyond just operating systems - he is a strong advocate for open source software development and innovation. Today, Linus is also associated with GitHub, the popular web-based platform for version control using Git. Additionally, he serves as the project manager for the Apache HTTP Server, one of the most widely used web servers worldwide.
Linus means "Linen cloth" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Linus is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Linus has (Latin) origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Linus is 3, associated with Creativity & Expression. Soul Urge: 3. Personality: 9.
Linus is Predominantly Male. Based on US data, 100% male and 0% female.
Approximately 5,261 people in the United States are named Linus. The name peaked in 2017 with 166 recorded uses.
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