Lindsay is a popular given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname Lindsay, which is believed to have originated from the family's historical lands in Scotland known as "Lindores." The literal meaning of Lindsay is "from the lime tree" or "linden tree," referring to the family crest that features these trees.
The use of Lindsay as a given name began in the 20th century. Before this, it was primarily used as a surname and passed down through generations. It gained popularity as a girl's name in the United States during the 1950s and reached its peak popularity in the mid-1960s.
Lindsay is not associated with any particular saints or religious figures, nor is there any specific historical significance attached to the name besides its association with the Scottish clan of Lindsay. However, it has been popularized by various notable individuals throughout history, such as American actress Lindsay Wagner and Australian cricketer Lindsay Hassett.
Overall, Lindsay is a charming and distinctive given name with Scottish roots that evokes images of lush greenery and ancient lineage.
The name Lindsay has a fascinating history when it comes to its usage as a girl's name in the United States. The earliest record of its use dates back to 1916, with a mere six births that year. However, it was not until the late 1940s and early 1950s that Lindsay began to gain significant traction among parents.
In 1947, the name first broke the century mark with 59 births, and the following year saw an even more substantial increase with 68 births. This upward trend continued throughout the 1950s, culminating in a peak of 2070 births in 1976.
The popularity of Lindsay peaked in the late 1970s and early 1980s, during which time it consistently ranked among the top 100 names for girls. The years 1980 to 1985 were particularly notable, with over 4353 births each year.
However, much like other popular names from this era, Lindsay's popularity began to wane in the mid-1980s. By the early 1990s, the number of annual births had dropped significantly, and it continued to decline steadily throughout the following decades.
Despite its decrease in popularity, Lindsay remains a beloved name among many families. As of 2022, there have been a total of 130,180 girls named Lindsay born in the United States since records began in 1916. Although it may no longer be as prevalent as it once was, Lindsay continues to hold its own as a classic and timeless name choice for parents.