This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Mcfinlay family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Mcfinlay Family History

Mcfinlay Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Mckinlay, Mcginley, Mckinley, Finlay, Mckinney, Finley, Mcmillan

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Mcfinlay family from?

You can see how Mcfinlay families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Mcfinlay family name was found in Scotland between 1851 and 1891. The most Mcfinlay families were found in and Scotland in 1851. In 1851 there was 1 Mcfinlay family living in Inverness-shire. This was about 14% of all the recorded Mcfinlay's in Scotland. Inverness-shire and 1 other county had the highest population of Mcfinlay families in 1851.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Mcfinlay surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
  • 1851
  • 1871
  • 1891
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What Mcfinlay family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 20 census records available for the last name Mcfinlay. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Mcfinlay census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Mcfinlay

Passenger Lists

There are 15 immigration records available for the last name Mcfinlay. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Mcfinlay immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 1,000 military records available for the last name Mcfinlay. For the veterans among your Mcfinlay ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Mcfinlay military records

You've only scratched the surface of Mcfinlay family history

Discover More

What is the average Mcfinlay lifespan?

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Mcfinlay ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Mcfinlay

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Mcfinlay family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial