The first name Finlay

In 2025, 293 boys were named Finlay, making it the 175th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2007, with 1,343 births (#59).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Finlay with other names.

In 2025, 50 boys born in the United States were named Finlay, the 2,614th most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 2015, when 64 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Finlay Pickering
  British cyclist, born 2003

• Cameron
• Ian
• Callum
• Kenneth
• Donald
• Ronald
• Roy
• Keith
• Malcolm
• Ross
• Ewan
• Angus
• Knox
• Lachlan
• Duncan
• Alistair

All 54 names of Scottish Gaelic origin

What does the name Finlay mean?

Finlay means “fair warrior/hero” in Scottish Gaelic.

What is the origin of the name Finlay?

Anglicized from Scottish Gaelic Fionnlagh (“fair warrior/hero”).

How popular is the name Finlay?

In 2025, 293 boys born in England and Wales were named Finlay, ranking 175th. Its peak was 2007, with 1,343 births.

Is Finlay a boy's or a girl's name?

Both. Of the 1,306 US babies named Finlay since 1880, 16% were girls and 84% boys.

When was Finlay most popular?

2015 in the United States, when 64 babies were named Finlay, its highest rank at 2,154th.

How do you pronounce Finlay?

Finlay is /ˈfɪnli/, 2 syllables.

What are other spellings of Finlay?

Findlay, Findley, Findlow, Finley and Finlow.

Is Finlay also a surname?

Yes. Finlay is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.