LIN

Lin is a surname of Chinese origin and a given name used in various cultures. In Chinese, the most common form is 林, a character that means “forest.” In Mandarin, the surname is pronounced Lín (rising second tone). It ranks among the most common Chinese surnames and is widely found in mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia, as well as in diaspora communities around the world.

Variants reflect regional pronunciations. In Cantonese, 林 is typically rendered Lam; in Hokkien and Teochew, Lim; in Vietnamese, the corresponding surname is Lâm. Other transliterations appear in different languages and historical contexts.

As a given name, Lin occurs across cultures. In English-speaking contexts, Lin can be a unisex given name. In East Asian naming practices, Lin more commonly appears as a syllable within a two-character given name rather than as a stand-alone given name, though transliterations and adaptations may vary.

Because Lin appears in multiple languages and cultures, it also shows up in place names, personal names, and artistic or corporate entities. The name’s usage and meaning thus reflect a cross-cultural footprint spanning East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the global diaspora.