Lynne

Meaning: Its source is a Spanish expression meaning "Pretty."

Languages: This girl's name is used in English.

Compound Forms: Ashlynne, Brandilynne, Emmelyne and Kimberlynne

Popularity: The name Lynne ranked 378th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

This name is highly rated in the 1990 U.S. Census popularity survey of all ages, but after 1960 does not appear in the state data listing the most popular baby names.

Narrative: Some authorities believe this name derives from the Germanic name element that ends the names Ermalinde, Gerlinde, and others. However, they do not agree on the meaning of that element -- some citing ''tender'' or ''soft,'' others believing that it refers to the serpent as a Teutonic symbol of wisdom.

An alternate theory holds that it developed as a short form of the English names Belinda and Melinda.

Stage and Screen

Lynne Bassett
Fictional character.
- Character on the soap opera ''''The Young and the Restless'''' (see list of Characters on ''The Young and the Restless'')
Lynne Moody
- Portrayed Polly Dawson from 1979-81 (see list of Actors on ''Soap'')
- Portrayed Irene Harvey (see list of Actors on ''Roots'')
Lynne Thigpen
- Actress on the soap opera ''''All My Children'''' (see list of Performers on ''All My Children'')