Finlay is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #175 in 2025 with 293 recorded births. This places Finlay in the top 3% of ranked UK boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Moderately Popular. The name reached its all-time peak in 2007 with 1,343 births ranking #59. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 275.6%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 928 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.