Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Flynn
BoyIrish· “son of the red-haired one”
- Meaning
- son of the red-haired one
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- FLIHN
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #828
- US babies 2025
- 299
- Best rank
- #654 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Flynn
Flynn is an Irish name that means “son of the red-haired one”.
Flynn comes from the Irish surname Ó Floinn, descendant of Flann. Flann is an old Irish personal name meaning red or ruddy, so the surname is often explained as son of the red-haired one. Several early Irish kings and poets were called Flann. Actor Errol Flynn, star of swashbuckling films such as The Adventures of Robin Hood, made the surname famous in Hollywood, and Flynn Rider of the animated film Tangled introduced it to a younger audience. As a first name, Flynn is short, spirited and a little roguish, with an unmistakable Irish character.
Popularity over time
Flynn first appears in US Social Security records in 1913. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 15 different years, starting in 2011. Its best national rank was #654 in 2021, the same year it reached its highest count of 418 babies. In 2025, 299 babies were named Flynn, and it ranked #828 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,361 in 1950, #2,760 in 1980, #2,065 in 2000, #1,809 in 2010, and #828 in 2025. Of the 6,681 US boys named Flynn since records began, 46% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 2,162 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Marcel, Jaxxon, Ambrose, Rayden, and Dakari.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Flynn ranked highest in Maine, Idaho, and Utah.
Gender, sound and spelling
About 94% of US babies named Flynn over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Flynn is usually pronounced FLIHN, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with F and ends in “-nn”.
Middle names for Flynn
A few middle names that flow with Flynn: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Flynn
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Lists that include Flynn
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Flynn mean?
Flynn is an Irish name that means “son of the red-haired one”.
What is the origin of the name Flynn?
Flynn has Irish roots. Flynn comes from the Irish surname Ó Floinn, descendant of Flann.
Is Flynn a popular name?
Yes. Flynn ranked #828 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Flynn a boy or girl name?
Flynn is mainly a boy's name. About 94% of US babies named Flynn over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Flynn?
Flynn is usually pronounced FLIHN. 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