Finlay is a distinctive girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #998 in 2002 with 22 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1999 with 30 births ranking #752. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 120.0%. In 2002, approximately 1 in every 12,153 girls born was named Finlay. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
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.