Finlay

Finlay is an English form of the Gaelic Fionnlagh, built from elements associated with fairness or whiteness and a warrior. Fair warrior is a concise traditional interpretation; the first element can refer to coloring rather than moral fairness. The name has a long Scottish history and is related to Finley, another established spelling.

A historical bearer of the older form was Findláech, the father of the Scottish king Macbeth. That gives the name a connection with medieval Scotland independent of later literary treatments of Macbeth. Finlay can preserve that Gaelic heritage while using an English spelling, and its given-name history is broader than any recent fashion for names beginning with Finn.