Findlay is a masculine given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name Finlaid, which is composed of two elements: "fionn" meaning "fair or white," and "laoidh" meaning "hero." Therefore, Findlay translates to "fair hero."
The name Findlay has a rich history in Scotland, with several notable figures bearing this name throughout the centuries. One of the most famous historical figures named Findlay is Finlay of the Isles, also known as Findanus or Finlagh, who was a 13th-century Highland chief and pirate. He was renowned for his daring raids on English ships and earned the nickname "the terror of the seas."
Another notable figure with the name Findlay is Finlay Forbes (1748-1826), a Scottish naval officer who served in the British Royal Navy during the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolutionary Wars. He rose to the rank of rear-admiral and was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.
In modern times, Findlay has become increasingly popular as a given name for boys in English-speaking countries. It is often associated with Scottish heritage or culture, but it can also be used as a unisex name due to its association with the Gaelic word "find" meaning "white" or "fair."
Overall, Findlay is an attractive and distinctive masculine given name with a proud Scottish pedigree, rich history, and meaningful signification. Its unique sound and spelling make it stand out from other names of similar origin, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a memorable and significant name for their son.
Findlay is a unique and distinctive name that has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years in the United States. The statistics show a varying number of births each year with this name.
The earliest recorded data we have starts from 2003, with only 6 babies being named Findlay that year. There was an increase to 9 births in 2005, followed by a slight dip to 7 in 2006. However, the number of Findlays began to steadily rise thereafter, reaching double digits annually from 2007 onwards.
The years 2014 and 2015 saw significant spikes in popularity for this name, with 18 births each year respectively. This was followed by an all-time high of 25 births in 2016. While there has been some variation since then, the number of babies named Findlay has remained consistently above 10 births per year.
As of 2023, the total number of births with the name Findlay stands at 270 across the United States. This unique and strong name continues to hold its own in popularity trends over time.