Linn is a diminutive of Linnea. Linnea originates in Swedish language and is taken from the name of the twinflower Lennaea borealis. The flower itself was named after Carl Linnaeus, the 18th century Swedish botanist and scientist. This is most likely the reason why Linnea has been a very popular feminine given name in Scandinavian countries until today. In the United States its usage is very rare.