Finley Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Finley come from? What does the surname Finley mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Finley and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Finley Origin: What does the last name Finley mean?
The surname Finley originates from Scotland and is of Gaelic origin, derived from the personal name Fionnlagh, meaning "white warrior" or "fair hero." This name has been in use since the early 13th century in Scotland and has since spread globally. In the United States and the United Kingdom, Finley is a popular given name for both boys and girls. It is no longer specifically associated with fair-haired individuals, and it is common among people of various ethnic backgrounds.
YourRoots data confirms that the Finley surname has been present in Scotland since the early 13th century, with a significant increase in records in the United States by the 17th century. Today, the Finley surname is most frequent in the United States, but it can also be found in many other countries worldwide. This surname's history reflects a strong Scottish heritage and has evolved to be widespread across different regions and cultures over the centuries.
Finley Last Name History: Where did the last name Finley come from?
Origin of Finley Surname: Where does the last name Finley originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Finley first appeared in records from Scotland in the United Kingdom in the early 13th century. It's important to remember that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Finley” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Finley: What does the Finley surname history look like in the early days?
The “Finley” surname remained closely associated with Scotland in the United Kingdom from the 13th through the 16th century. However, by the 17th century, the frequency of Finley family records began to increase significantly in the United States, surpassing that of the United Kingdom and marking the beginning of a trend that would continue for several centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Finley surname today?
From the 17th to the 19th centuries, the volume of records with the Finley surname in the United States grew significantly, making it the country with the highest frequency of this surname according to YourRoots data. While the Finley surname remains most common in the United States, it can also be found in many other countries across the globe, underlining its widespread distribution over the centuries.
Explore Finley last name heritage and Finley surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Finley Surame?
Hala Finley
Hala Finley (born May 18, 2009) is an American actress known for her roles in "Man with a Plan" as Emme Burns and "We Can Be Heroes" as Ojo. Starting her career at a young age, she has garnered praise for her performances in various films and TV shows, showcasing her talent and versatility. With a promising future ahead, Finley continues to impress audiences with her acting skills and dedication to her craft.
T. J. Finley
Tyler Jamal "T. J." Finley (March 25, 2002 - ) is an American football quarterback known for his time playing for LSU, Auburn, Texas State, Western Kentucky, and Tulane. Finley started his college career at LSU, where he impressed with his skills on the field. He later transferred to Auburn, where he continued to showcase his talent. Despite facing some challenges along the way, Finley's determination and love for the game have made him a recognizable figure in the world of college football.
Michael Finley
Michael Howard Finley (March 6, 1973 - ) is a retired American professional basketball player known for his time with the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, and Boston Celtics in the NBA. Finley was a two-time NBA All-Star and won a championship with the Spurs in 2007. He played a pivotal role in the Mavericks' "run and gun" offense alongside Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki. Finley also excelled as a clutch player and three-point shooter, setting records and earning respect throughout his 15-season career. After retiring, he transitioned to a front office role with the Mavericks, showcasing his expertise and dedication to the sport.
Chuck Finley
Charles Edward Finley (born Nov 26, 1962) is an American former professional baseball pitcher known for his 17-year career primarily with the California Angels. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, he compiled 200 wins, 2,610 strikeouts, and a 3.85 ERA. Finley set multiple team records for the Angels and was a two-time MLB All-Star. He later played for the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals, showcasing his left-handed pitching skills. Finley's legacy in baseball history is marked by his impressive stats and contributions to the sport.
Ruth Finley
Ruth Finley (January 14, 1920 – August 25, 2018) was an American fashion industry innovator known as the "godmother of New York Fashion Week." She created the iconic Fashion Calendar, a scheduling tool that revolutionized organizing fashion events in New York City and beyond. Finley's dedication and meticulous work for over 70 years helped shape the infrastructure of the American fashion industry. Beyond her professional achievements, she was a philanthropist and a beloved figure in both the fashion world and her personal life.
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