Finlay is a distinctive girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #1325 in 2003 with 16 recorded births. This places Finlay in the top 23% of ranked UK girls' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Rare. The name reached its all-time peak in 1999 with 30 births ranking #752. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 60.0%. In 2003, approximately 1 in every 17,417 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.