"son of the red-haired one"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
Flynn
Pronunciation: [ fl-IHN ]
Does Flynn flow with your last name?
A dashing Irish classic with a hero's swagger
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English
Australian
American
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Flynn
3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"descendant of Flann (ruddy, red)"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: Irish
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The Story of Flynn
Flynn is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname O Floinn, meaning 'descendant of Flann.' Flann is an old Irish word meaning 'red' or 'ruddy,' originally used to describe someone with red hair. The O Floinn clan was historically powerful in County Roscommon, where they ruled as chieftains for generations. As Irish immigration spread the surname worldwide, it gradually became adopted as a given name in the 20th century.
Flynn gained traction as a first name through the golden-age Hollywood fame of actor Errol Flynn. A second, bigger wave came with the 2010 Disney film Tangled, whose charming protagonist Flynn Rider made the name feel dashing and adventurous for a new generation of parents.
In Irish culture, the Flynn clan has deep roots in Connacht. As a first name, Flynn carries the breezy confidence of a classic Irish surname name while sounding effortlessly contemporary, fitting perfectly into the broader wave of surname-as-first-name popularity.
Historical Record
Flynn first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 6,238 babies have been named Flynn in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Flynn is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #738 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Errol Flynn's charisma inspired the phrase 'in like Flynn,' meaning to be effortlessly successful or welcomed
- Flynn Rider is the protagonist of Disney's Tangled (2010), helping bring the name to a new generation of parents
Flynn in Other Languages
Irish
Flann
French
Flynn
English
Flynn
Spanish
Flynn
Popularity Over Time
#738
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Flynn
E
Errol Flynn
Actor
1909
Australian-American Hollywood actor famed for swashbuckling roles in The Adventures of Robin Hood and Captain Blood
F
Flynn Rider Fictional
Other
Protagonist of Disney's Tangled (2010), a charming thief-turned-hero based on the Rapunzel tale
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Compare Flynn with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #738
- Total SSA Count
- 351
- Cultural Origins
- Irish English Australian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Nicknames
Fly
Flie
Flykins
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Flynn
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Flynn is also used as a girl name, ranked #6985.
View Flynn as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Irish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flynn
What does the name Flynn mean?
"son of the red-haired one" (from Irish Gaelic). "descendant of Flann (ruddy, red)" (from Old Irish). Flynn is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname O Floinn, meaning 'descendant of Flann.' Flann is an old Irish word meaning 'red' or 'ruddy,' originally used to describe someone with red hair. The O Floinn clan was historically powerful in County Roscommon, where they ruled as chieftains for generations. As Irish immigration spread the surname worldwide, it gradually became adopted as a given name in the 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Flynn?
Flynn has Irish Gaelic, Old Irish, Irish, English, Australian, and American origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "son of the red-haired one". In Old Irish, it means "descendant of Flann (ruddy, red)".
Is Flynn a boy or girl name?
Flynn is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #738. As a girl name, it is ranked #6985. Flynn is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Flynn?
Flynn is pronounced fl-IHN.
How popular is the name Flynn?
Flynn is currently ranked #738 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Flynn?
Common nicknames for Flynn include Fly, Flie, and Flykins.
What are good middle names for Flynn?
Popular middle name pairings include Flynn William, Flynn Thomas, Flynn James, Flynn Alexander, Flynn Reid, Flynn Patrick, and Flynn Henry.
What are good sibling names for Flynn?
Names that pair well with Flynn as siblings include Finn, Declan, Callum, Rory, Nora, Fiona, and Isla.
How many syllables does Flynn have?
Flynn has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Flynn a common or rare name?
Flynn is moderately common, ranked #738 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Flynn
Flynn is a boy name with Irish, English, Australian, and American origins . The name means "son of the red-haired one" in Irish Gaelic .
Is Flynn a boy or girl name? Flynn is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #738 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #6,985. Flynn is more commonly used as a boy name.
Flynn is currently ranked #738 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Flynn has 1 syllable and is pronounced fl-IHN, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Flynn include Fly, Flie, and Flykins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis