finan

Finan is a given name and a surname of Irish origin. It is commonly derived from the Gaelic Fionnán, a diminutive form of Fionn, meaning “white” or “fair.” The name has historical associations with early Irish saints and monastic figures, contributing to its presence in Ireland’s naming traditions.

As a given name, Finan has long been used in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, appearing in various historical records. Variant spellings include Finian, Finnan, and Fionnán, reflecting different transliterations from Gaelic to English over time.

As a surname, Finan developed from the given name and appears in genealogical sources in Ireland and among descendants of Irish emigrants. Its distribution in modern times mirrors Irish migration patterns to the British Isles, North America, and other regions.

In contemporary usage, Finan remains relatively uncommon but persistent as both a given name and a surname. It may also appear in fiction or media as a character name. Related names include Finian, Finnan, and Fionn, which share the same linguistic roots and cultural background.