Finley Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Finley Name Meaning

Fact: The name Finley has ties to Scottish royalty, as it was borne by several early Scottish kings.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Finley Overview

Meaning

Fair warrior, courageous one, fair hero

Gender

Girl, Gender-neutral

Origin

Scottish, Irish

Etymology

Derived from the Scottish Gaelic name “Fionnlagh,” meaning “fair-haired warrior.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈfɪnli/

Popularity

Finley is a favorite in Scotland and the UK and is gaining traction in the USA. In 2023, Finley ranked #211 for boys and #317 for girls in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

8 (Practical, Ambitious, Materialistic)

Name Styles

Modern, Cool, Uncommon

Associated Traits

Fair, adventurous, spirited
A Deep Dive

Finley Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Finlay, Fionn, Phineas, Flynn, Finnian, Fintan

Common Nicknames

Finny, Fina, Filo, Finster, Finno

Diminutives

Fin, Lee, Fifi, Finn, Lenny, Fynn

Famous People

  • Finley Quaye
    (British Musician)
  • Finley Peter Dunne
    (American Humorist)
  • Finley Jeffers
    (Canadian Athlete)
  • Finley Smallwood
    (American Dancer)
  • Finley Howard
    (American Actor)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Finley
    ("The 100," TV Series)
  • Finley
    ("Josie and the Pussycats," Film)
  • "Finley's Holiday"
    (Short Film)
  • Finley
    ("Oz the Great and Powerful," Film)
  • Finley Tremaine
    ("A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits," Film)

Places

  • Finley City
    (North Dakota, USA)
  • William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge
    (Oregon, USA)
  • Finley Point State Park
    (Montana, USA)
  • Finley Creek Stream
    (Missouri, USA)
  • West Finley Township
    (Pennsylvania, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Finley?

Finley means “fair warrior” or “fair-haired hero.” Those named Finley are often perceived as strong, courageous, and possessing a noble spirit.

What Is the Origin of The Name Finley?

Finley has Scottish and Irish origins, derived from the Gaelic name Fionnlagh, which combines “fionn” (fair or white) and “laoch” (warrior or hero). This name reflects the heritage and valor celebrated in Celtic culture.

Finley Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Finley in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#2112021#2182022#2822023
Top 3 Rankings#1592017#1652018#1882019

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Finley

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023282
(-64 from 2022)
1106
(-260 from 2022)
0.06323
2022218
(-7 from 2021)
1366
(-47 from 2021)
0.07618
2021211
(-10 from 2020)
1413
(-28 from 2020)
0.07887
2020201
(-13 from 2019)
1441
(-134 from 2019)
0.08152
2019188
(-23 from 2018)
1575
(-180 from 2018)
0.08584
2018165
(-6 from 2017)
1755
(-111 from 2017)
0.09437
2017159
(+31 from 2016)
1866
(+139 from 2016)
0.09877
2016190
(+14 from 2015)
1727
(+125 from 2015)
0.08921
2015204
(+19 from 2014)
1602
(+92 from 2014)
0.08212
2014223
(+69 from 2013)
1510
(+417 from 2013)
0.07719
2013292
(+57 from 2012)
1093
(+180 from 2012)
0.05670
2012349
(+15 from 2011)
913
(+33 from 2011)
0.04707
2011364
(+44 from 2010)
880
(+100 from 2010)
0.04541
2010408
(+117 from 2009)
780
(+204 from 2009)
0.03978
2009525
(+137 from 2008)
576
(+113 from 2008)
0.02844
2008662
(+153 from 2007)
463
(+111 from 2007)
0.02223
2007815
(+98 from 2006)
352
(+63 from 2006)
0.01663
2006913
(+72 from 2005)
289
(+41 from 2005)
0.01382
2005985
(+288 from 2004)
248
(+80 from 2004)
0.01222
20041273
(+2073 from 2003)
168
(+125 from 2003)
0.00833
20033346
(+1152 from 2002)
43
(+16 from 2002)
0.00214
20024498
(+4259 from 2001)
27
(+16 from 2001)
0.00137
20018757
(-2550 from 2000)
11
(-6 from 2000)
0.00056
20006207
(-783 from 1999)
17
(-2 from 1999)
0.00085
19995424
(+2108 from 1998)
19
(+7 from 1998)
0.00098
19987532
(+1485 from 1997)
12
(+3 from 1997)
0.00062
19979017
(+1552 from 1996)
9
(+2 from 1996)
0.00047
199610569
(+2817 from 1995)
7
(+2 from 1995)
0.00037
199513386
(-241 from 1991)
5
No change from 1991
0.00026
19940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
199113145
(-786 from 1989)
5
No change from 1989
0.00025
19900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
198912359
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00025
19880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19790
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19780
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19770
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19760
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19750
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19740
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19730
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19720
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19710
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19700
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19690
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19680
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19670
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19660
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19650
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19640
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19630
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19620
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19610
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19600
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19590
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19580
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19570
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19560
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19550
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19540
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19530
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19510
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19490
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Finley

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#2752021#2962022#4302023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#4292021#4192022#5452023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#2892021#3142022#3332023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#2002021#1972022#2212023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#1822021#1812022#3192023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#2042021#1992022#2602023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1772021#1802022#2192023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#3242021#2322022#2982023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#2032021#1492022#2332023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#1502021#1912022#962023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#1192021#1762022#1522023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#1422021#1412022#2162023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#2232021#1872022#1582023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#1132021#1312022#1982023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#4952021#3492022#6542023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#2332021#1792022#2672023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#1592021#1592022#1802023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#2052021#2302022#2952023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#1262021#1892022#1732023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#3182021#2912022#3812023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#1572021#1812022#1812023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#1902021#1152022#1632023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#1372021#1682022#1942023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#1902021#1452022#1852023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#1342021#2022022#2432023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#1672021#2242022#2562023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#1392021#1822022#2512023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#4462021#3092022#4832023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#2062021#2922022#3582023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#2622021#1592022#4092023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#1642021#1632022#2082023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#4882021#5552022#8192023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#1832021#2232022#1962023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#1202021#2032022#2032023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#1092021#792022#1312023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#2952021#3252022#2702023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#162021#652022#542023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#1562021#2142022#1382023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1822021#1092022#1072023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1032019#882020#902021

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1432020#1692021#1742022

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#1342021#1082022#1862023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#4522020#4622021#3912023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#952019#682020#532021

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1372017#1302020#822021

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1602016#872019#1422021

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#772016#802019#952020

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2552017#2072018#2192021

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#2012013#1412021#1502023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2392016#2222018#1492021

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#3442015#2702017

Popularity Rankings for Finley in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#3062021#4132022#2572023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3162016

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#8732017

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#9982002

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Finley a Name for Boys or Girls?

Finley is considered a unisex name, used for both boys and girls due to its neutral sound and meaning.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Finley

Finley in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Finley Quaye (Musician, born 1974): A British musician who gained acclaim with his debut album "Maverick A Strike."
  • Finley Peter Dunne (Humorist, 1867–1936): An American humorist and writer, famous for his "Mr. Dooley" sketches.
  • Finley Jeffers (Athlete, 1912–1979): A Canadian track and field athlete who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics.
  • Finley Smallwood (Dancer, born 2009): A young American dancer known for her performances on social media and television.
  • Finley Howard (Actor, 1930–1995): An American actor who appeared in numerous films and TV shows during the mid-20th century.
  • Finley Turner (Artist, 1920–1988): A British painter celebrated for his landscape and portrait paintings.
  • Finley Graves (Politician, 1905–1982): An American politician who served as a state senator in the 1950s.
  • Finley Patterson (Author, 1895–1960): A Scottish author known for his historical novels and literary contributions.
  • Finley ("The 100," 2014 TV Series): Clarke Griffin's father whose decisions impact the fate of their community.
  • Finley ("Josie and the Pussycats," 2001 Film): A drummer in the titular band who helps uncover a music industry conspiracy.
  • "Finley's Holiday" (2018 Short Film): A touching story about a young boy named Finley discovering the true meaning of family during the holiday season.
  • Finley ("Oz the Great and Powerful," 2013 Film): A winged monkey who becomes the loyal companion of the wizard on his journey.
  • Finley Tremaine ("A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits," 2016 Film): A modern Cinderella who pursues her dreams in the world of musical theater.
  • "Finley the Fire Engine" (2006 TV Series): Follows the adventures of a young fire engine and his friends in the town of Friendlyville.
  • Finley ("Prom," 2011 Film): A high school student dealing with the ups and downs of preparing for the big dance.
  • "Finley's Fingertips" (2020 Children's Book): An imaginative tale about a boy named Finley who discovers magical abilities through his fingertips.
  • Finley City (North Dakota, USA): A small city in Steele County with a rich agricultural heritage.
  • Finley National Wildlife Refuge (Oregon, USA): A protected area that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds.
  • Finley Point State Park (Montana, USA): A park located on the southern shore of Flathead Lake offering camping and recreational activities.
  • Finley River (Missouri, USA): A river that flows through the Ozarks and is a tributary of the James River.
  • Finley Park (South Carolina, USA): A popular urban park in Columbia, featuring a waterfall, walking trails, and an amphitheater.
  • Finley Beach (New South Wales, Australia): A beach located on the Murray River, offering scenic views and water activities.
  • Finley Township (Pennsylvania, USA): A township in Washington County with a mix of residential areas and farmland.
  • Finley Hill (Victoria, Australia): A hill in Victoria known for its panoramic views and hiking trails.

Similar Names to Finley

Sibling Names for Finley

Parents Who Like the Name Finley Also Like

Finley is like that perfect song you can’t get out of your head—in the best way possible! Thanks for reading, and good luck finding the perfect name for your little one!
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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