English, coined in the late 19th century.
1. Whyte suggests that Linda may be derived from Old German "serpent" - a symbol of wisdom.
2. However ONC considers it likely to have originated as a diminutive of or pet name for Belinda. Alternatively Linda may have been a pet name for any name beginning with Lin- or ending in -linda or -lin/lyn. Some possibilities are listed, above.
3. Other possible derivations are:
a) from the Spanish word linda ("pretty") which has been adopted by Malay communities; or
b) from the German feminine suffix -lind ("soft" or "tender"). |
