Finlay Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Finlay has its roots in Scottish Gaelic, originating from 'Fionnlagh' which means 'fair warrior'. It has evolved through various forms over time. The name carries connotations of strength and heroism, with no biblical relevance. Its usage has persisted from the Middle Ages to modern times, making it a name that is both historical and contemporary.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Finlay"
Pronunciation
/ˈfɪnleɪ/
Origin
Scottish Gaelic
Etymology
The name Finlay derives from the Scottish Gaelic name 'Fionnlagh', which is composed of the elements 'fionn', meaning 'fair' or 'white', and 'laoch', meaning 'warrior' or 'hero'.
Meaning
fair warrior
Language Evolution
Fionnlagh, Finlay, Finley
Historical Usage
Finlay gained popularity in Scotland during the Middle Ages and has remained a recognized name in various forms throughout the centuries.
Variants & Derivatives
Finley, Finnlay, Finlee
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Finlay is seen as a traditional yet modern name, often associated with strength and nobility.
Famous People
Finlay Crerar, Finlay McDonald
📊 Finlay Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Finlay Name Visualizations
✨ Finlay Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 75 peak births in 2017
Geographic Spread
Popular across 9 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Finlay" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Finlay". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Finlay" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Finlay"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Finlay"
"Finlay" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7162nd of 7545 | 6 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3458th of 24088 | 445 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2592nd of 23106 | 600 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 14985th of 35406 | 77 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 9963rd of 30306 | 119 |
Regional Popularity of "Finlay" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
53.39% 2757th/5164 |
- |
33.94% 2533rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.99% 3187th/3984 |
52.98% 2377th/4487 |
59.57% 4064th/6822 |
40.31% 2530th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Finlay" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Finlay"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Finlay" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Finlay" in the United States
The name Finlay is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Finlay has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Finlay' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7162nd out of 7545 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3458th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2592nd out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14985th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 9963rd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Finlay' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.