FINLAYSON
Finlayson
Finlayson is a Scottish and Northern Irish surname of patronymic origin, meaning "son of Finlay". The name comes from the Gaelic personal name Fionnlagh, which is derived from the elements fionn, meaning "white" or "fair", and lach, meaning "hero".
Origins
The Finlayson surname is most common in Scotland, particularly in areas with a strong Gaelic heritage, such as the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The name is also found in Northern Ireland, where it is often of Scottish origin due to historical migration between the two countries.
Notable People
- Sir Charles Finlayson (1861–1940) – British Army general and recipient of the Victoria Cross.
- Sheridan Finlayson (b. 1985) – Scottish actor known for his stage and screen performances.
- Karen Finlayson (b. 1973) – British artist known for her paintings inspired by nature and folklore.
Legacy
The Finlayson name has a rich history in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with many individuals bearing the name making significant contributions to various fields. Today, Finlayson remains a relatively common surname in these regions, continuing to be passed down through generations.
References
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A dictionary of English surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford dictionary of family names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 4,360 people named Finlayson in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,151st most common surname in Britain. Around 67 in a million people in Britain are named Finlayson.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Kenneth
- Paul
- Robert
- William
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Janet
- Jennifer
- Karen
- Laura
- Louise
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan