Finlay is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #174 in 2019 with 312 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2007 with 1,343 births ranking #59. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 300.0%. In 2019, approximately 1 in every 974 boys born was named Finlay. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Finlay is a Scottish Gaelic name meaning "fair warrior". It feels traditional, energetic, and very much at home among modern Celtic favourites.
The name has long roots in Scotland and later spread through wider English-speaking use. Its revival reflects the strong modern appetite for authentic Gaelic names.