Finlay is a Scottish given name of Gaelic origin. It is derived from the Gaelic words "fionn" meaning "fair or white" and "laigh" meaning "land or field". Therefore, Finlay can be translated to mean "white warrior".
The name Finlay has been in use in Scotland for centuries and was traditionally given to boys. However, in recent years it has become increasingly popular as a girls' name as well.
Finlay is also associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous was Sir Finlay Dun, a Scottish politician who served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1864 to 1865. Another well-known Finlay was the Scottish poet and songwriter Robert Burns, whose work is celebrated annually on his birthday, known as Burns Night.
Today, Finlay continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their child. Its Gaelic origins give it a sense of history and tradition, while its modern usage makes it accessible and relevant for today's families. Whether you're looking for a name with a strong warrior spirit or simply one that rolls off the tongue nicely, Finlay is certainly worth considering.
The name Finlay has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between 2004 and 2023, there have been a total of 196 babies named Finlay born each year.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that the number of births with the name Finlay fluctuated significantly during this period. The lowest point was in 2004, with only 5 births recorded. This number increased slightly over the next few years, reaching a peak of 19 births in both 2016 and 2017.
However, since then, the popularity of the name Finlay has decreased once again. There were 8 births in 2018, 7 in 2019, and 9 in both 2020 and 2021. The most recent data from 2022 shows a further decrease to 8 births, with only 5 recorded so far in 2023.
Despite these fluctuations, it is clear that the name Finlay has maintained some level of popularity over the years, with at least one baby named Finlay born each year between 2004 and 2023. It will be interesting to see how this trend continues in the coming years.