Finlay River adopted 6 March 1928 on 94B, flowing SE into Peace River as labelled on BC Lands' map 1H, 1917. Re-approved 7 December 1950 on 94C; 17 January 1952 on 94E; 4 June 1953 on 94C; 1 October 1953 on 94F. Coordinates of mouth altered 4 June 1974 following creation of Williston Lake (reservoir) behind the WAC Bennett Dam - the valley surrounding the lower channel of Finlay River is now flooded, and renamed Finlay Reach.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

Originally known as Finlay's Branch (of the Peace River), this stream was ascended in 1797 by John Finlay of the North West Company. See Canadian Historical Review, vol 9, no. 1, March 1928, pp 25-31.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

After James Finlay, Jr. (1766-1830), NWC clerk, 1787, partner, 1792, who ascended the river in 1797; left the NWC in 1805; store keeper, Indian Dept., Lachine 1814-17. The Carrier name of the river is Thuthi, meaning "water-great"

Source: Provincial Archives' Place Names File ("the Harvey File") compiled 1945-1950 by A.G. Harvey from various sources, with subsequent additions

The Sekani name for Finlay River is Chu Dadi Ts'elè (from Guzagi K'úgé, published by Kaska Tribal Council, Watson Lake, 1997). Note that elsewhere in the same publication the upper reaches of Finlay River (above Fishing Lakes) are identified as Dòt' ahi, and the lower channel is identified as Tu Tiy. Origins/meanings not provided.

Source: included with note