Findlay is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word 'Fionnlagh', which is composed of two elements: 'fionn' meaning 'fair' or 'white', and 'lagh' meaning 'land'. Therefore, Findlay can be interpreted as 'fair-haired hero'. The name was brought to Scotland by the Normans who invaded England in 1066 and settled in Scotland.
The name Findlay is believed to have been introduced to Scotland by the FitzWalter family, who were Norman nobles. They are thought to have changed their surname from 'FitzWalter' to 'Findlater' when they moved to Scotland, with the name evolving over time into Findlay.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Findlay. One of the most famous is Sir William Findlater (1795-1830), a Scottish painter known for his portraits and landscapes. Another notable figure is James Findlay (1846-1924), who was a Canadian politician and farmer.
Today, Findlay remains a popular name in Scotland and other parts of the world where people of Scottish descent have settled. It is often used as both a first and middle name. While it may not be as common as some other Scottish names, such as McDonald or Campbell, Findlay has a unique charm that makes it appealing to many parents.
In conclusion, Findlay is a name with a rich history and an interesting origin story. Derived from the Gaelic word 'Fionnlagh', it means 'fair-haired hero' and was brought to Scotland by Norman nobles. Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne this name, making it a proud choice for parents looking for a unique Scottish name for their child.
The name Findley has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past eight decades in the United States. With only five births each in 1941 and 1951, it was quite uncommon during that era. However, it experienced a resurgence beginning in the early 2000s.
In 2005, there were five births with this name, marking the start of an upward trend that would continue over the next decade. The years 2007 to 2013 saw a steady increase, from ten births in 2007 to a peak of 18 births in 2014.
This trend continued into the 2010s, with 29 births in 2015 and a high of 36 births in 2019. Despite a slight dip in popularity in recent years, with 19 births in 2021 and 14 in 2022, the name Findley has maintained a consistent level of popularity.
In total, over the period from 1941 to 2023, there have been 321 babies named Findley born in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most common names, Findley is nonetheless one that has been chosen by many parents for their children over the years.