Mumsnet Talk

I actually prefer Finlay over Matthew, even if it is very "trendy".

I have a nephew called Finlay, and even his nursery spells it Finley, so maybe the spelling is an issue. Prefer it Finlay to Finley or Findlay though.

I get what you mean Blotted, I've been writing it down with all different spellings but think I prefer it now spelt 'Findlay'.

Chubby - I prefer it with the D and that's certainly how my DS spells his name, but really I would go with what you prefer. I found that once written down, Findlay looked more like how I imagined his name to look than if I'd spelled it Finlay/Finley/Phynnleigh. I know that sounds a bit airy-fairy but it worked for me!

I'm biased I have a finnley, and yes always spelt wrong!

Findlay with a d!

Matthew is lovely

Finlay will date, but if that doesn't bother you, then not a problem.

Matthew is by far the better choice. Matt is a great shortening when he's older. Matt/Matthews always seem to be lovely.

Matthew

I prefer Findlay but the spellings without a D are more common at the moment (I like traditional!)

Matthew...beautiful!

Which do you all prefer. . Findlay or Finlay?

Finlay. Strong classic old Scots name.

Me too blotted, I'm in Scotland and think of it as a very traditional name, particularly when spelled with a D, and Irish names like Fionn too.

My DS is a Findlay and it was very unusual when he was born in 2001 - the only other Findlay I'd heard of was the son of Sharron Davies. It has become much more popular in recent years though, lots of 6-7 year old Findlay's running around. I like to think it's because so many people met my lovely boy as a delightful toddler that they wanted to name their child after mine

Somewhat bemused that Findlay is considered faddy & trendy, it's a very traditional Irish/Scots moniker.

Matthew - biased because I have one, and pleased to hear the MN jury agree. It's a classic name, and there are not many little ones about.
I have had people ask me how to spell it though

Lovely meaning too "gift of God"

Matthew

Another Matthew fan.

Matthew (Matt), lovely name.

I quite like Matthew shortened to Matt (when he's older) but less keen on Finlay being shortened to Finn. Am really stuck now!

Matthew.

Two in my family, both adults, have never been shortened to Matt by themselves or others.

Matthew. Although be warned it will eventually be shortened to Matt so bear that in mind. We liked either but to me Matt was an older boy kicking a football about rather than a baby. DSis Matt now at school to all his friends and some of the teachers and he likes it.

And Finlay may well get shortened to Finn.

Matthew is more timeless and will age better than Finley/Finlay/Finn - it feels quite 'faddy' to my ears, probably because it has been a little overused.

Both names are lovely and I think both are classic, but Finlay is having a real spike in popularity. If that doesn't bother you go for it!

Finlay Matthew or Matthew Finlay are lovely names.

Matthew for me