Find out how popular the first name Flynn has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Flynn by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Flynn is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 93% of people named Flynn being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 322 male babies and 25 female babies born with the name Flynn.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 25 baby girls were named Flynn in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Flynn

The given name Flynn is an anglicized version of the Old Gaelic name Flann or Flann Ua Maoil Chonaire. It originated in Ireland during medieval times, around the 7th century AD. The root word "flann" is believed to have meant "ruddy" or "red-haired" in old Irish.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Flynn dates back to the 7th century when Flann Sinna, an Irish poet and historian, lived. He is known for writing the medieval Irish text "Celebration of the Wonderful Bygone Times."

During the Middle Ages, the name was prominently used by Irish nobility and rulers. Flynn Sionna, who reigned as King of Munster from 624 to 639 AD, was a notable bearer of the name. Another famous Flynn was Donnchadh mac Gilla Pádraig, King of Osraige from 1089 to 1103.

As the name spread to other parts of Europe, it underwent various spelling variations, such as Flinn, Flin, and Flyne. In England, the name appeared as early as the 13th century, with records mentioning a William Flyne in Somerset in 1275.

Notable historical figures bearing the name Flynn include Captain John Flynn, an Irish pirate who was active in the late 17th century, and Errol Flynn, the swashbuckling Australian-American actor renowned for his roles in adventure films during the 1930s and 1940s (1909-1959).

In literature, the name was used by Irish writer James Joyce for the character Father Michael Flynn in his novel "The Dubliners." Father Flynn was a respected priest who succumbed to paralysis and faced challenges in his faith.

Other famous individuals named Flynn throughout history include American actor and singer Errol Flynn (1909-1959), Irish writer Brian Flynn (1952-), and Australian cricketer Nathan Flynn (1974-).

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 Flynn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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