Last Name Lina

The surname "Lina" has multiple possible origins and meanings. It could have Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and possibly German origins. 1. Italian: In Italian, "Lina" is a diminutive form of the female given name "Desolina" or "Adelina." It could have been used as a surname to denote someone's connection to a person named Desolina or Adelina. 2. Portuguese/Spanish: In Portuguese and Spanish, "Lina" could be derived from the personal name "Angelina" or "Catalina." As a surname, it might indicate a person's association with someone named Angelina or Catalina. 3. German: In some cases, "Lina" could be derived from the Germanic given name "Lena," which is a short form of names like "Magdalena." The surname might have originated in situations where "Lena" was used as a nickname that eventually became a hereditary name. However, without more specific information about an individual's ancestry or geographical background, it is challenging to precisely determine the origin and meaning of the surname "Lina."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lina

The meaning and origin of the last name Lina

The surname Lina has multiple origins and meanings across different cultures. In Italian, Lina is a diminutive form of the given name Angelina, derived from the Latin word "angelus" meaning "angel" or "messenger". In other cases, Lina could have originated from the Spanish or Portuguese language, where it is a common surname derived from the word "lino" meaning "flax" or "linen". This suggests that the surname might have been given to families who were involved in the production or trade of linen products. Additionally, Lina may also have roots in the Arabic world, particularly among Sephardic Jews, where it means "tender" or "gentle". The name could have been used to describe individuals with a kind and compassionate nature. Therefore, the surname Lina carries different meanings and origins depending on the cultural and linguistic context in which it is found.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lina

The last name Lina is a relatively common surname found across various regions of the world. It is important to note that due to its diverse origins, the geographical distribution of the name may vary. In Europe, the surname Lina is prevalent in countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Italy. In Spain specifically, it can be found in regions like Galicia, Asturias, and Catalonia. Moving across the Atlantic, Lina is also found in countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, where it may be more common among those with European ancestry. Additionally, Lina can be found in countries across Asia, particularly in the Philippines, where Spanish influence has led to a significant presence of Hispanic surnames. Overall, the last name Lina demonstrates a broad geographical distribution, reflecting its origins and migration patterns throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lina

The last name "Lina" has a few variations and spellings depending on cultural backgrounds and regions. In some instances, it might be spelled as "Leena" or "Lena." This variation occurs primarily in regions where English is prevalent, as these spellings align more with the English spelling conventions. In other cases, the name might be spelled as "Liina" or "Līna," which is common in Baltic countries like Latvia or Estonia where the accents on the letters change the pronunciation. Additionally, the last name might also be written as "Linea" or "Lynea" in some Hispanic or Latin American cultures, adding a different touch to its pronunciation. Overall, whether spelled as "Lina," "Leena," "Lena," "Liina," "Līna," "Linea," or "Lynea," the variations and spellings of this last name highlight the diverse cultural influences and linguistic nuances across different regions.

Famous people with the last name Lina

Lina is not a particularly common last name, but there have been a few notable individuals who have carried this surname. One prominent figure is Vincenzo Lina, an Italian painter from the 18th century known for his works depicting religious scenes. Another well-known personality is Louis Lina, a famous French architect known for his contributions to various modernist structures across Europe. In the world of music, Carlos Lina López, better known as "Papo Lucca," stood out as a renowned Puerto Rican pianist and bandleader, famous for his contribution to the salsa genre. Additionally, in the realm of sports, American basketball player Albert Lina became an influential figure, playing to great success during the 1950s and 1960s. While the Lina last name may not have an extensive list of famous individuals associated with it, these notable personalities from different fields have certainly made their mark with their outstanding achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Lina

The last name Lina has roots in various cultures and regions around the world. One possible origin is from the Hebrew name "Lina," meaning tender or gentle. It has been found in Jewish communities, suggesting a Jewish origin for some individuals with the surname. In other cases, the name Lina has been traced back to Italy, where it is believed to be a variant of the Italian surname "Lino," derived from the Latin word "linum" meaning flax. This suggests a connection to the textile industry, as flax was historically used for linen production. Additionally, Lina may also be a variant of the Spanish surname "Linares," referring to someone from the town of Linares in Spain. Overall, the surname Lina displays a diverse heritage, encompassing Hebrew, Italian, and Spanish influences. A comprehensive genealogical research is recommended to uncover individual family histories and unique stories associated with this surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lina"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends