MallowbyNames

Finbar

FIN-bar · fair-haired or white-headed, derived from Irish elements

Peak popularity
2009
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Finbar since 1998

Babies named Finbar per year in U.S. Social Security records.

51116200020102020Most births 2009Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1990s10
2000s80
2010s41
2020s17

Meaning & origin

Finbar is a distinctly Irish name with deep historical roots. First recorded in U.S. data in 1998, it remains rare, never entering the top 1000. Its peak year was 2009, and usage has been stable since. The name carries a strong cultural connection, particularly to County Cork, and is a more uncommon alternative to the popular Finn. Its straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it accessible, while its historical weight as a saint's name gives it traditional resonance.

Finbar derives from the Irish name Fionnbharr, from fionn meaning 'fair, white' and barr meaning 'head' or 'top'. It is the name of a 6th-century Irish saint, Finbarr of Cork, patron saint of the city. The name has been used in Ireland since the Middle Ages and saw a modest revival in the late 20th century.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Finn, Barry, Bar

Variants: Fionnbharr, Finbarr, Finnbar, Fionnbarra

Sibling names for Finbar

Names that share Finbar's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

F is for Finbar, our favorite little boy.

F is for Finbar…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Finbar's letter becomes Finbar's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Finbar's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does Finbar mean?
Finbar means 'fair-haired' or 'white-headed', from the Irish fionn (white, fair) and barr (head).
How popular is Finbar?
It has been recorded in the U.S. Social Security data since 1998, but does not rank in the top 1000. Its peak year was 2009.
Is Finbar for a boy or a girl?
Finbar is traditionally a boy's name.