Boy name · Greek
Linus
“flax, lyre”
Vibes
Explore Linus further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Linus — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Linus is Greek — linos, the flax plant and the lament-song — in myth a music teacher (Heracles' unlucky one), in history the second pope, in modern shorthand a blanket-holding philosopher and the inventor of Linux.
Rare in America, standard in Scandinavia, Linus wears intellect in a striped shirt.
Two amiable syllables. It pairs well with grounded middles (Linus James, Linus Reed). On our vibe map it is Dark Academia's gentlest seminar with Mythological lyre-strings and Modern Minimalist source code.
More Greek names
Linus sits in our Greek set — these share its roots.
All Greek names →Linus — common questions
Is Linus a boy or girl name?
Linus is traditionally a boy name of Greek origin.
What does the name Linus mean?
Linus means “flax, lyre” of Greek origin. Linus is Greek — linos, the flax plant and the lament-song — in myth a music teacher (Heracles' unlucky one), in history the second pope, in modern shorthand a blanket-holding philosopher and the inventor of Linux.
Where does the name Linus come from?
Linus is Greek in origin. Rare in America, standard in Scandinavia, Linus wears intellect in a striped shirt.
How popular is Linus?
Linus did not make the top 1,000 boys' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Linus you might want for the nursery.