Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Finley
UnisexScottish, Irish· “fair warrior”
- Meaning
- fair warrior
- Origin
- Scottish, Irish
- Pronunciation
- FIHN-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #415
- US babies 2025
- 753
- Best rank
- #159 (2017)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Finley
Finley is a Scottish and Irish name that means “fair warrior”.
Finley comes from the Scottish Gaelic Fionnlagh, made from fionn, "white" or "fair," and laoch, "warrior" or "hero." It became a Scottish surname and given name, and the historical Macbeth, king of Scots, was the son of Findláech, an early form of the name. As a first name, Finley is used for both boys and girls, especially in the United States, while in Britain it is more common for boys. The name sounds bright and friendly, and Finn makes an easy, popular nickname. Spellings include Finlay, Findlay and Finnley.
Other spellings with the same sound: Finlay.
Popularity over time
Finley first appears in US Social Security records in 1989. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 21 different years, starting in 2005. Its best national rank was #159 in 2017, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,866 babies. In 2025, 753 babies were named Finley, and it ranked #415 nationally. That is 53% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #6,296 in 2000, #408 in 2010, and #415 in 2025. Of the 22,908 US girls named Finley since records began, 60% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 6,951 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Harley and Quinn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Finley ranked highest in Montana, North Dakota, and West Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | #110 | 9 |
| North Dakota | #149 | 7 |
| West Virginia | #160 | 10 |
| Missouri | #175 | 35 |
| Iowa | #208 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Finley is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 57% of US babies named Finley were girls and 43% were boys.
Finley is usually pronounced FIHN-lee, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with F and ends in “-ey”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Finlay.
Middle names for Finley
A few middle names that flow with Finley: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Finley
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Lists that include Finley
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Finley mean?
Finley is a Scottish and Irish name that means “fair warrior”.
What is the origin of the name Finley?
Finley has Scottish and Irish roots. Finley comes from the Scottish Gaelic Fionnlagh, made from fionn, "white" or "fair," and laoch, "warrior" or "hero." It became a Scottish surname and given name, and the historical Macbeth, king of Scots, was the son of Findláech, an early form of the name.
Is Finley a popular name?
Yes. Finley ranked #415 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Finley a boy or girl name?
Finley is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 57% of US babies named Finley were girls and 43% were boys.
How do you pronounce Finley?
Finley is usually pronounced FIHN-lee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings