indeed, we are often referring to linux distros as 'linux'. but linux is actually the kernel and the operating system based on this kernel is called as ditros.one of the most (if not the most) popular linux distribution is ubuntu desktop, designed for the end user as an alternatif operating system for windows.
Android, also based on linux kernel, but we never say Android as linux like the other linux distros out there, do we?
Mint/peppermint has held #1 spot on distrowatch for quite some time now. Ubuntu has been #4 for more than a year! Ive been using linux at home for 6years now for my home theatre computer, mainly on ubuntu and mint until recently ive switched to ZORIN and i absolutely love it!