Finn

♂ Boy

Pronounced FIN /fɪn/High

Meaning: Fair, white, bright — from Irish Gaelic Fionn (fair, white, bright), the name of the legendary Irish hero Fionn mac CumhaillHigh

In 30 seconds: From the Irish Gaelic for fair and bright, Finn is the name of the legendary Irish warrior-hero Fionn mac Cumhaill and one of the sleekest one-syllable boys names of the modern era.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighIrish Gaelic, Old Norse

MeaningFair, white, bright — from Irish Gaelic Fionn (fair, white, bright), the name of the legendary Irish hero Fionn mac Cumhaill

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 18,517

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Finn is the anglicized form of Irish Gaelic Fionn, meaning fair, white, or bright. The most famous bearer was the legendary Irish hero Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool), the wise leader of the Fianna warriors. The name has been in continuous use in Ireland since ancient times. It may also be used as a short form of Finnish or Scandinavian names.

Finn has grown enormously in popularity in the United States since the 2000s, entering the top 200 boys names and continuing to rise. It appeals to parents drawn to the Celtic revival trend (Declan, Liam, Rowan) and to the general preference for short, punchy one-syllable names. Its literary resonance through Huckleberry Finn also adds an all-American dimension.

Did you know? Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) was the leader of the Fianna warriors in Irish mythology and the hero of the Fenian Cycle. He accidentally ate the Salmon of Knowledge, gaining all the worlds wisdom, and legend holds he sleeps in a cave under Ireland, ready to awaken when his country needs him most.

Variations

FionnFynn

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

★Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) (legendary)
Hero of the Irish Fenian Cycle, leader of the Fianna warriors, and one of Ireland's most beloved legendary figures.

If you like Finn…

Liam— Irish short name at the top of U.S. charts with the same Celtic heritage

Declan— Irish saints name with the same modern Celtic appeal

Rowan— Celtic nature name equally popular as a boys name in the same era

Frequently Asked

What does the name Finn mean?

Finn is the anglicized form of Irish Gaelic Fionn, meaning fair, white, or bright.

How do you pronounce Finn?

Finn is pronounced FIN — one syllable.

Is Finn a boy or girl name?

Finn is used primarily as a boys name, though it is occasionally given to girls.

How popular is Finn?

Finn has been rising steadily in the U.S. top 200 boys names since the 2000s and continues to climb as Irish names remain fashionable.