Finnegan
Finnegan is a boy name of Irish origin meaning “Fair, white, little fair one”, pronounced FIN-eh-gun. It ranked #526 in the United States in 2025, given to 569 babies, and peaked at #378 in 2021. Common nicknames: Finn, Finny, Fin.
How popular is Finnegan in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Finnegan mean, and where does it come from?
Finnegan is an anglicized form of the Irish surname "O Fionnagain," derived from "fionn" meaning "fair" or "white" combined with a diminutive suffix, giving it the meaning "little fair one." The name is deeply rooted in Irish culture and literature, most notably through James Joyce's experimental masterpiece "Finnegans Wake" (1939), which drew its title from a popular Irish-American comic ballad about Tim Finnegan. As a given name, Finnegan offers a more elaborate and distinguished alternative to the shorter Finn while retaining its Irish charm. It has grown steadily in popularity in the United States and Canada since the early 2000s.
Variations & Nicknames
Variations
Nicknames
Famous People Named Finnegan
- Finnegan Oldfield — French actor
- Tim Finnegan — character from the Irish folk ballad
- Finneas O'Connell — American musician and producer (commonly known as Finneas)
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Sibling Name Ideas for Finnegan
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Finnegan mean?
Finnegan is a boy name of Irish origin meaning "Fair, white, little fair one." Finnegan is an anglicized form of the Irish surname "O Fionnagain," derived from "fionn" meaning "fair" or "white" combined with a diminutive suffix, giving it the meaning "little fair one." The name is deeply rooted in Irish culture and literature, most notably through James Joyce's experimental masterpiece "Finnegans Wake" (1939), which drew its title from a popular Irish-American comic ballad about Tim Finnegan.
How do you pronounce Finnegan?
Finnegan is pronounced FIN-eh-gun. Common variations include Finegan, Finnigan, Finigan.
Is Finnegan a boy name?
Yes, Finnegan is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Finn, Finny, Fin.