The Etymology and Meaning of the Name Finella

Variations of the Scottish name Finella are many, some of the forms being Fenella, Finele, Fionnuala, and Finnguala. The meaning of Finella is somewhat as disputed as the existence of the legendary woman who bore it, namely Lady Finella (c. 950-995). While some assert Finella denotes “white shoulders,” others contend it rather derives from a Scottish word that means “white swan.”

The Popularity of Finella

2017 census indicates Finella’s popularity, perhaps to the chagrin of a sector of patriotic Scots, is next to nil, not even making it into the top 100.

Historical Usages of Finella

Intriguingly, a seldomly-discovered-alive species of marine snail housed in a usually white, whorled shell is named Finella pupoides. Unlike Cambridgeshire’s Finella of Queens Road, Den Finella, and Finella HillI, the pale color may be the reason for the snail’s nomen rather than after Lady Finella. Ironically enough, though, this Scottish noblewoman, who allegedly diverted King Kenneth II away from a hunt to assassinate him and thus avenge her only son’s slaying as well as to satisfy the political reasons of co-conspirators, leapt over a waterfall to evade pursuers and consequently died.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish girls’ names.