Origin & Meaning of the Finlay Surname
What does the last name Finlay mean?
The surname Finlay carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,980 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Finlay ranks as the #10,721 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Finlay come from?
The Finlay surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Finlay name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Finlay trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Finlay |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,721 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,980 |
| Per 100K People | 1.01 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Finlay
According to the US Census, the Finlay surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,980 Americans with the Finlay last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.22% |
| Black | 4.53% |
| Hispanic | 4.53% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.74% |
| Native American | 0.17% |
| Two or More Races | 1.81% |
Popularity of Finlay Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Finlay surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Finlay surname increased by 100 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other European Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Finlay
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