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From Lioness to Linus
From Lioness to Linus
By: Linus Wang
Name Essay
“Lioness?” “Lines?” The number of ways people mishear or mispronounce my name Linus is seemingly endless. Growing up, I used to hate it. It was different, weird, something that set me apart when all I wanted was to blend in. I envied the Mikes and Emilys of the world—names that rolled off the tongue effortlessly, names that never had to be repeated twice. As I grew older, however, I began to see my name differently. The uniqueness I once resented became one of my favorite things about my name. Now, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My name fits me perfectly because, like it, I stand out.
Linus hasn’t ranked in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. since 1940, and in 2021, only 111 babies were given this name (“Popularity of name Linus”). In fact, I’ve never met another person named Linus. Instead of feeling alone in my uniqueness, I’ve come to see it as a mark of distinction. My name isn’t common, and that makes it uniquely mine.
Linus has Greek origins, meaning “flax” or “flaxen-haired.” While it has ties to mythology and early Christianity (“Linus”), I never associated my name with gods or leaders—it was about Peanuts. My parents named me after Linus van Pelt, the blanket-clutching, philosophical best friend of Charlie Brown. At first, this only reinforced my feeling of standing out, as he was the only other person or character who shared my name, but over time, I began to take pride in it. My name wasn’t just different—it had meaning.
Growing up, I read Peanuts and came to love Linus, appreciating his wisdom and quiet strength. I admired how he wasn’t the loudest or the most outgoing, yet he had a quiet confidence and deep conviction that made him stand out. He held firm in his beliefs, whether it was in the Great Pumpkin or in offering unwavering support to his friends. What stood out to me the most, however, was his ability to be completely comfortable in who he was, never feeling the need to change himself to fit in. He didn’t seek validation from others, and that kind of confidence was something I aspired to have. Over time, this made me feel more connected to my name. His ability to embrace who he is, despite standing out, helped me do the same, showing me that individuality isn’t just about being different—it’s about being true to oneself.
As I grew older, I realized my name wasn’t something to hide—it was something to celebrate. What once felt like a burden became a source of pride. My name became more than just a label—it became a reflection of the confidence and individuality I strive for every day. And now, instead of wishing for a name that blends in, I take pride in the one that stands out.
Works Cited
"Linus.” Behind the Name, 7 Dec. 2024. behindthename.com/name/linus. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
"Popularity of name Linus" Social Security Administration, U.S. Government, 8 Feb. 2025. ssa.gov/oact/babynames/. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025
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