Find out how popular the first name Ling has been for the last 41 years (from 1977 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ling by gender

Based on the last 41 years of data, Ling is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 91% of people named Ling being female.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ling.

The history of the first name Ling

The name Ling has its origins in various Asian cultures and languages. In Chinese, Ling is a common given name that can have several meanings, including "gemstone," "spirit," or "willow tree." It is a name with a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ling can be found in the Chinese classic literary work "The Book of Songs," which dates back to the 11th-7th centuries BCE. In this anthology of ancient Chinese poetry, the name Ling appears in several poems, often associated with beauty, grace, and natural elements.

In ancient Chinese philosophy and religion, the name Ling is also linked to the concept of "lingxi," which refers to the spiritual essence or energy that permeates all living beings and the universe. This association with spirituality and the natural world has given the name a mystical and poetic quality throughout its history.

The name Ling has also been borne by several notable figures in Chinese history. One of the most famous is Ling Lun (c. 673-746 CE), a renowned Buddhist monk and scholar who played a significant role in the development of the Huayan school of Buddhist philosophy. Another prominent individual was Ling Ren (1828-1903), a Qing dynasty official and reformer who advocated for modernization and westernization in China.

In Korean culture, the name Ling is also found, although it is less common. It can be written using different Hangul characters and may have meanings such as "jade" or "precious stone." One notable Korean figure with the name Ling was Ling Yun (1518-1604), a renowned Neo-Confucian scholar and writer during the Joseon dynasty.

Beyond Asia, the name Ling has also made its mark in other cultures and contexts. In the West, one of the most famous bearers of the name was Ling Woo (1905-1984), a Chinese-American actor and comedian who achieved fame in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. His career helped break down stereotypes and paved the way for greater representation of Asian actors in American cinema.

Overall, the name Ling has a rich and diverse history, spanning across centuries and cultures. Its connections to nature, spirituality, and beauty have imbued it with a sense of depth and mystery, making it a name that continues to captivate and inspire.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ling was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ling, please contact us.

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