Surname Findlayson - Meaning and Origin

Findlayson: What does the surname Findlayson mean?

The last name Findlayson is a habitational name, derived from the place Forglen in Banffshire, Scotland where the family originated. The name is of Old Norse origin, derived from the Gaelic personal name ‘Fionnlaigh’, which is a combination of the words ‘fionn’, meaning ‘fair’ and ‘laoch’, meaning ‘hero’ or ‘warrior’, making the full meaning ‘fair hero’ or ‘fair warrior’. This suggests a proud and noble family origin that is centuries old.

The Findlayson family is believed to have emigrated from Scotland to Ireland in the early 1700s, where many of them settled in County Antrim. The family can also be found in Northern England, in particular, in and around County Durham. It is estimated that there are approximately 1000 Findlayson family members predominantly located in Northern Ireland and England, however, there are still branches of the family tree that can be located in Scotland and Canada.

The Findlayson family have held a respected place in societies where ever they have settled. In the 400 years since their emigration from Scotland, they have been prominent figures in particular in their businesses, trades and industry, their love of sport and their contributions to the wider community.

The etymology of the name ‘Findlayson’ itself suggests a strong warrior-like character that has been passed down through the generations and this is reflected in the achievements of the modern-day descendants of the family.

Findlayson: Where does the name Findlayson come from?

The last name Findlayson is most common today in Scotland, with it having an especially strong presence in a few counties in the north of the country. It is of Scottish origin, generally thought to have first arisen in Galloway, a region in the southwest of Scotland, during the Middle Ages. During that period, it was an occupational name for 'the fiddler's son', derived from the medieval Gaelic phrase 'macAindliag'.

The name is also present in North America, with many people of Scottish ancestry bearing it in places like Canada and the United States. In the US, there is a particularly high concentration of people named Findlayson in the states of Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona.

It is also found in Australia, where many Scots migrated in the 19th century. This was also the case in New Zealand, and Findlayson is still very common in both countries today.

Overall, Findlayson is a widespread last name found mainly in countries with strong Scottish histories and connections. It is most prominent in Scotland itself, where it has been present for centuries.

Variations of the surname Findlayson

The surname Findlayson is of Scottish origin and has several variants. It may also be spelled Findlater, Finlay, Findlestoun, Findle, Findlay, Findlev and many other slight variations. It is a patronymic surname that originates from the given name ‘Findla’.

Originally, the given name Findla was typically found in the Highlands area of Scotland. This name was derived from the Gaelic personal name Findláith, which in turn was derived from the Old Norse personal name Finnleikr. This Nordic derived name is composed of the elements ‘finnr’ meaning ‘Finn’, a Scandinavian personal name; and ‘leikr’ meaning ‘game’ or ‘play’.

The spelling variations of Findlayson include Finlay, Finlayson, Findlay, Findlayson, Finlaysen, Finely, Finelly, Finlaysson, Findel, Findlea and many more. Variants can also be found in other parts of the world due to migrations. For example, Findley and Findleson are found in Northern Ireland and America.

Surnames derived from the same origin include MacFingal, Macthingell, Macthinleg, Furnclay, Findlagh, Finley and Finleg. Today, the name Findlayson is predominantly found in Scotland and Canada, but families with the name can be found in many other parts of the world such as the USA, Australia and New Zealand.

Famous people with the name Findlayson

• Bert Findlayson: American movie director and producer, best known for the films The Hurricane Reunion and The Illumination Project.
• James Findlayson: Scottish writer, most known for his book My Life at Bannockburn.
• Robert Findlayson: Irish actor, known for his role in the TV series The Border Files.
• Riccardo Findlayson: Spanish politician and member of the Spanish Parliament.
• Gandhi Findlayson: Indian actress and philanthropist, known for her roles in the films The White Chariot of Destiny and The Gold Raven.
• Paul Findlayson: Canadian fashion photographer, famous for his work with fashion designer Jack Arnold.
• Keith Findlayson: British sports commentator and television presenter, most noted for his work as the host of Sky Sports' Football Tonight show.
• Barbara Findlayson: English singer and musical theatre actress, most famous for her role in the West End production of The Lion King.
• Alice Findlayson: American entrepreneur and venture capitalist, credited with launching the tech startups uninflected and careerOn.
• Maddie Findlayson: Australian environmental journalist, known for her coverage of environmental issues and her work with the Rainforest Action Network.

Other surnames

Findlay