Of Greek origin.
From the Greek name “Λίνος” (Linos), meaning “flax”.
Linus is a highly meaningful name. A Latinized form of the Greek name Linos.
Flax is a food and fiber cloth. Textiles made of flax are known as “linen”. The “linseed oil” is produced from the dried seeds of the flax.
Therefore the name Linus is metaphorically associated with nutrition and protection.
Linos is mentioned in different Greek myths as being a very handsome young man, and a great musician.
According to the Theban myth, Linus (Linos) invented the “Linus song” and was killed by god Apollo because he dared considered himself equal to the god.
According to the Argive myth, Linus was left exposed at birth and killed by stray dogs. Then his father, the god Apollo, unleashed an avenging spirit to snatch youngsters of Argos town, in order to revenge his son’s death.
Linus’ death at an early age caused the lament of all the Muses.
Other sources mention that the “Linus song” was the source of inspiration for the myths that were created about Linus.
According to this, the song was named after the grief recitation in the beginning and at the end of the song and it was the power of the song that created the myth of Linus and not the character that invented the song.
Linus is also mentioned as Hercules’ music teacher and the inventor of the three-string lyre instrument.
Variants of the name are Linos, Lino, Linas.
Feminine names associated with Linus are Linnet, Lynnette, etc.
Linus’s name rankings: #77 in Switzerland (2013), #87 in Norway (2015).
In the U.S.A. baby names’ popularity list, Linus was climbing and nearly entered the top-1000 in 2014, but since then it has dropped and was ranked #1377 in 2016.
Famous bearers are Linus Roache, Linus Thörnblad, Linus Torvalds, Linus Pauling.