Lina

The name is of several different origins and meanings. It could be a German and Swedish short form of any name ending in -lina.

In Lithuanian, it is the feminine form of Linas, meaning, “flax.” It is also the Estonian and Finnish word for flax, and is used as a given name in both countries.

It could also be from the Arabic لينا meaning “palm tree” or “tender.”

In Sanskrit लीना it means “absorbed; united.”

The name is also used in Chinese, being a composition of the words 丽 (Li) meaning “pretty” and 娜 (Na), meaning “elegant.”

Currently, Lina is the 7th most popular female name in Germany, (2011). Her rankings in other countries are as follows:

• # 15 (German-speaking, Switzerland, 2010)
• # 19 (France, 2009)
• # 20 (Slovenia, 2010)
• # 25 (Belgium, 2009)
• # 36 (Austria, 2010)
• # 61 (Netherlands, 2010)
• # 84 (Norway, 2010)
• # 91 (Sweden, 2010)
• # 848 (United States, 2010)

Linas

Gender: Masculine
Origin: Lithuanian
Meaning: “flax”
(LIN-ahs)

The name is fairly popular in Lithuania, the name comes directly from the Lithuanian word for flax, linum usitatissimum, and it could also be a form of the Greek name Linos meaning “comfort song.” In the Lithuanian case, it is most likely that the name has its origins in indigenous Baltic roots. Its feminine forms is Linė (LIN-ay) and Lina (LIN-ah). The name is borne by Lithuanian basketball player Linas Kleiza (b.1985). Its designated name-day is September 23. There is a Spanish form: Lino.