Finlay
Finlay: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfɪnli/
Meaning and origin of Finlay
Root meaning: “fair warrior/hero”
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
Anglicized from Scottish Gaelic Fionnlagh (“fair warrior/hero”).
How popular is Finlay?
Since 1880, 204 girls and 1,102 boys in the U.S. have been named Finlay (16% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #6363 in 2017. Its highest rank for boys was #2154 in 2015. In 2025, 58 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Finlay
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Finlay
Sister and brother names that share Finlay's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Finlay FAQ
What does the name Finlay mean?
Finlay traces back to a root meaning "fair warrior/hero". A male given name transferred from the surname. Anglicized from Scottish Gaelic Fionnlagh (“fair warrior/hero”).
What is the origin of the name Finlay?
Finlay is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Finlay?
Since 1880, 204 girls and 1,102 boys in the U.S. have been named Finlay (16% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #6363 in 2017. Its highest rank for boys was #2154 in 2015. In 2025, 58 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Finlay a boy or girl name?
Finlay is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (204 girls and 1,102 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.