The name Lynne originated from the Old German name Linden, which means "linden tree". It first appeared in the English language during the Middle Ages, around the 12th century. The earliest recorded spelling was Linn, which later evolved into Lynne.

Lynne was a popular name among the Anglo-Saxons and was often given to children born near linden trees or in areas where these trees were abundant. The linden tree held significant symbolic meaning in various European cultures, representing strength, resilience, and protection.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lynne can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This document mentions a landowner named Lynne, who held property in the county of Lincolnshire.

In the 14th century, the name gained further prominence with the birth of Lynne de Lyle, a prominent English noblewoman and landowner. She was known for her involvement in various political and legal disputes during the reign of Edward III.

During the Renaissance period, the name Lynne was associated with several notable figures. One of them was Lynne Bradstreet, a Puritan poet who lived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 17th century. Born in 1612, she is considered one of the earliest English poets in North America.

Another noteworthy individual with the name Lynne was Lynne Cheney, an American writer and former Second Lady of the United States. Born in 1941, she is known for her contributions to the fields of education and literature.

In the realm of literature, Lynne Reid Banks, a British writer born in 1929, gained recognition for her children's novels, including the acclaimed "The Indian in the Cupboard" series.

Lynne Truss, a British writer and journalist born in 1955, is famous for her best-selling book "Eats, Shoots & Leaves," a humorous guide on punctuation and grammar.

Lastly, Lynne Thigpen, an American actress and singer born in 1948, is remembered for her roles in various television shows and films, including her performance as "The Chief" on the sitcom "Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?"