Flynn

At a Glance

Meaning

Descendant of Flann; Flann is an old Irish byname meaning "red" or "ruddy," likely describing hair color or complexion.

Origin

Irish

Gender

Boy

Pronunciation

FLINListen

Flynn is an Irish name, pronounced FLIN, built from Ó Floinn — literally "descendant of Flann," an old Irish byname for "red" or "ruddy" that likely described hair color or complexion. You'll sometimes see it defined as "son of the red-haired one" or "son of Flann," but that's off: the O- prefix means "descendant" or "grandson of," not "son of" — an actual "son of Flann" would be Mac Floinn. On MM's list it's a modern, globally minded pick.

Meaning & Origin of Flynn

Meaning: Descendant of Flann; Flann is an old Irish byname meaning "red" or "ruddy," likely describing hair color or complexion..

Origin: Irish.

A common claim: Often glossed as "son of the red-haired one" or "son of Flann." Actually: Flynn doesn't literally mean "son of" — the O- prefix in O Floinn means "descendant/grandson of"; "son of Flann" would actually be rendered Mac Floinn.

Source: Wiktionary.

How to Pronounce Flynn

Popularity of Flynn

Flynn peaked at #653 in 2021 with 418 babies given the name, then eased to #737 in 2024 with 351 — a gentle dip rather than a steep drop.

Names Like Flynn

These names share Flynn’s style, era or origin.

• Burke
• Finlo
• Keane
• Neil
• Niall
• Niven

FAQ

What does the name Flynn mean?

Descendant of Flann; Flann is an old Irish byname meaning “red” or “ruddy,” likely describing hair color or complexion.. (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Flynn?

Flynn is pronounced FLIN (IPA: /ˈflɪn/).

Is Flynn a popular name right now?

Flynn is near its all-time peak (#653 in 2021), ranked #737 in 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1913–2024.)

Make Flynn Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Flynn, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.