Finlay
Meaning of Finlay
The name Finlay, also spelled Finley, is a charming unisex name of Scottish Gaelic origin. Pronounced as FIN-lee, it carries the meaning "fair-haired hero" or "fair warrior," reflecting its strong and noble roots. Historically used in Scotland, Finlay has gained popularity in English-speaking countries for both boys and girls. The name evokes images of bravery and fairness, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with a rich heritage and positive connotations.
In recent years, Finlay has seen moderate use in the United States, with occurrences fluctuating between 17 and 64 newborns annually since 2000. Its ranking peaked at 2144 in 2015, showcasing a steady yet niche appeal among American parents. Whether you choose Finlay for its historical significance or its modern charm, this versatile name offers a timeless elegance suitable for any child.
Pronunciation
Scottish Gaelic
- Pronunced as FIN-lee (/ˈfɪnləi/)
English
- Pronunced as FIN-lee (/ˈfɪnli/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Finlay
| William Finlay Currie was a Scottish actor known for his acclaimed roles in Great Expectations and Ben-Hur. |
| Finlay Robertson is a Scottish professional footballer known for his role as a midfielder for Dundee. |
| Finlay Turner Christie is a professional rugby union player from Scotland who represents New Zealand at the international level and plays as a half-back for the Super Rugby club Blues. |
| Finlay MacDonald is a Scottish musician and composer known for his pioneering work in Scottish music and piping, as well as for his leadership at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow. |
| Finlay Joseph Bean is an English cricketer known for his role as a left-handed batsman and wicket-keeper for Yorkshire County Cricket Club. |
| Finlay Mickel is a Scottish skiing coach and former downhill skier who competed in World Cup competitions from 2000 to 2009 and the 2006 Winter Olympics. |
| Finlay MacDonald was a Canadian Senator. |
| Finlay MacDonald, a barrister from Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, was a Conservative member of the House of Commons of Canada. |
| Finlay Light, also known as Finley Light, was an Australian model briefly considered for the role of James Bond in the 1980s. |
| Finlay MacRae is a Scottish shinty player from Kintail who plays for Kinlochshiel and was named Player of the Year in 2008. |
| Finlay Gillies is a Scottish rugby union player known for his time as a hooker for Glasgow Warriors in the PRO12. |
| Finlay Macrae is an Australian rules footballer for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League and the younger brother of Western Bulldogs player Jack Macrae, having been educated at Xavier College. |
| Finlay Michael Brennan is an English professional footballer known for his role as a full back for Milton Keynes Dons. |
| Finlay Pickering is a British cyclist riding for UCI Continental team Trinity Racing. |
| Finlay Graham is a British racing cyclist known for competing in para-cycling road and track events. |
