Find out how popular the first name Findlay has been for the last 21 years (from 2003 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Findlay by gender

Based on the last 21 years of data, Findlay is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 88% of people named Findlay being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 male babies and 6 female babies born with the name Findlay.

The history of the first name Findlay

The name Findlay has its origins in the Scottish Gaelic language and is believed to have derived from the Gaelic words "fionn" meaning fair or white, and "lath" meaning plain or meadow. It is thought to have originated as a place name in Scotland, referring to a white or fair meadow or plain.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Findlay can be traced back to the 12th century. In 1153, a charter granted by King David I of Scotland mentions a place called "Findlater" in Aberdeenshire, which is believed to be the earliest known form of the name.

In the 14th century, a Scottish clan chief named Findlay Farquharson is documented as having lived in the region of Braemar, Aberdeenshire. This suggests that the name was already in use as a personal name during this time period.

Another notable figure with the name Findlay was Findlay MacNab, a Scottish soldier and poet who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He is remembered for his poetic works and his service in the Scottish army during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.

In the 18th century, Findlay MacKenzie was a Scottish soldier and explorer who served in the British Army and was involved in the exploration of Canada's Arctic regions. He was born in 1736 and died in 1808.

Moving into the 19th century, Findlay Muirhead was a Scottish minister and author who lived from 1804 to 1885. He was known for his writings on theology and his work as a minister in the Church of Scotland.

In more recent times, Findlay Brown was a Scottish-born Canadian politician who served as a member of the Canadian House of Commons from 1925 to 1935. He was born in 1867 and died in 1938.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Findlay, which has its roots in the Scottish Gaelic language and culture.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Findlay was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Findlay, please contact us.

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