Finlay Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationFIN-lay / ˈfɪn.leɪScottish; Irish
Meaning
Scottish: fair-haired hero; Irish: descendant of the white warrior
Historical & Cultural Background
Finlay is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Fionnlagh. It has been used in Scotland since the Middle Ages and is associated with several historical figures. The name has also gained popularity in Ireland, where it is often anglicized. Finlay has variations in spelling and pronunciation, reflecting its cultural adaptations.
Trend Summary
Finlay has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past two decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Finley
- Finlay
- Fynnlay
International Variants
- Fionnlagh (Irish)
- Finley (English)
Famous people named Finlay
Finlay Macdonald was a Scottish politician known for his contributions to local governance.
Finlay Bealham is an Irish rugby player who has represented his country at the international level.
Finlay Currie was a Scottish actor recognized for his roles in classic films.
Finlay McDonald is a notable Scottish author known for his works on Scottish history.
Fictional characters named Finlay
Finlay is a character in the animated series 'The Amazing World of Gumball', known for his quirky personality.
Finlay is a character in the book series 'The Chronicles of Narnia', depicted as a loyal companion.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Finlay was first seen in the United States in 1918. Finlay has ranked as high as #1330 nationally, which occurred in 2015, and has been most popular in California, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Finlay has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Finlay (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 6 | |
| PA | 6 | |
| FL | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1918 | 6 |
| 1998 | 7 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 20 |
| 2001 | 21 |
| 2002 | 17 |
| 2003 | 18 |
| 2004 | 26 |
| 2005 | 42 |
| 2006 | 50 |
| 2007 | 44 |
| 2008 | 41 |
| 2009 | 50 |
| 2010 | 30 |
| 2011 | 35 |
| 2012 | 37 |
| 2013 | 41 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 64 |
| 2016 | 56 |
| 2017 | 56 |
| 2018 | 55 |
| 2019 | 38 |
| 2020 | 50 |
| 2021 | 54 |
| 2022 | 48 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2024 | 55 |