Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Finnish baby names are versatile and popular across the globe. Choosing a Finnish name for your little prince or princess can give them an edge and make them stand out from others. But if you are still undecided on the baby’s name or confused about whether you should pick a traditional Finnish name or a trendy one. We can help you decide. Finland, the 8th largest country, yet the least populated country in the world, boasts of some of the most gorgeous baby names. Although most of the common and popular Finnish baby names are Scandinavian, they sound a lot quirkier than Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish names. Finnish names are often inspired by Biblical characters, names of saints, or ancient Swedish names (1). In Finland, a baby can be given up to three baby names, by the time he is two months old. Finnish parents followed a naming tradition up until 1900. The first son is named after the paternal grandfather, while the first daughter is named after the maternal grandmother. The second son inherits the maternal grandfather’s name and the second daughter inherits the maternal grandmother’s name. The fourth son is named after the father and vice versa (1). Besides, there are some other rules and regulations levied by the government. These rules include that parents cannot pick a name that’s inappropriate or can cause a disadvantage to the child in the future. The government also restricts the use of surnames to not more than one, though hyphenated surnames could be used after marriage. Also, interchangeable or unisex names are not allowed in Finland. Neither are names that are different in spelling and hurt the Finnish naming practices, allowed except under unavoidable circumstances. Children are expected to take the last name of one of the parents, but they can assume a different surname, by filing a name change application. From the homeland of Santa Claus and Nokia, we bring you a list of Finnish baby names with meanings.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Kova |  |  Unisex | Tough; Hard; Joyful; Happy; Celebrating |
| Koy | | Unisex | Unique, mystical, and peaceful |
| Kristiina | |  Girl | Kristiina means Follower of Christ |
| Lanaia | | Unisex | Unique; Enchanting; Mysterious |
| Lari | |  Boy | A person with a superior reputation; Laurel |
| Lelu | | Unisex | Intelligent; Bright |
| Lempi | | Boy | To love someone |
| Leo | | Boy | Lion |
| Leppa | | Girl | A Finnish name for legends |
| Leti | | Unisex | Protective, brave, energetic |
| Levo | | Boy | Lion; The Finnish version of the name Leo |
| Lii | | Unisex | Powerful; Intelligent; Influential |
| Liina | | Girl | A warrior of the army |
| Liisa | | Girl | My God in an oath |
| Linne | | Boy | A person named after the twinflower |
| Linnea | | Girl | Twinflower |
| Linnel | | Boy | He who is like a twinflower |
| Loppa | | Girl | A famous woman worrior |
| Lovi | | Unisex | Bat |
| Luar | | Unisex | Moonlight or moon |
| Lumi | | Girl | Snow; Glow; Light |
| Lumia | | Unisex | Light; Brightness |
| Luukas | | Boy | To be from Lucaniain Southern Italy |
| Luvia | | Girl | A girl who is deeply loved |
| Luvianna | | Girl | Woman who is loved honestly |
| Lydian | | Boy | He who is from Lydia, a town in Asia Minor |
| Lyyti | | Girl | One who is a great and adorable being |
| Maaria | | Girl | The Sea of sorrow |
| Maija | | Girl | A woman of rebellious nature |
| Maiuc | | Girl | One who is a magical individual; Spellbound |
| Majlis | | Girl | A noble person who is born in May |
| Makela | | Unisex | Gift from God |
| Maria | | Girl | Bitter |
| Marikka | | Girl | A woman of turbulent personality |
| Maritta | | Unisex | Pearl; Star of the sea |
| Marja | | Girl | Berry |
| Marjo | | Girl | One who has deep inner desires and truths |
| Marjut | | Girl | A beloved girl |
| Markku | | Boy | Finnish variation of Mark |
| Martti | | Boy | Dedicated to Mars; Like Mars; War Like |
| Matteus | | Boy | God's gift |
| Maxis | | Unisex | Powerful; Great |
| Maylea | | Boy | Graceful; Imaginative |
| Meri | | Girl | The marine; Deep ocean |
| Merja | | Girl | The holy mother Mary; Virgin Mary |
| Miika | | Boy | Who looks like God; Who is like the powerful God |
| Mikka | | Unisex | Gift from God; Three trees together |
| Minttu | | Girl | Finnish variant of Mint; A cool persona |
| Nante | | Boy | Confidence |
| Nantia | | Boy | Confident leader |
| Neea | | Girl | One of the flowers; Lime tree |
| Nieko | | Unisex | Brave; Victorious; Strong |
| Niina | | Girl | Exhibiting courtesy and politeness |
| Niky | | Boy | Who can be equal to God |
| Nillo | | Boy | The crowd of success or triumph |
| Noki | | Unisex | Peaceful; Serene; Calm |
| Nokia | | Girl | Connected innovation |
| Nooa | | Boy | The lady of the sun |
| Norielle | | Unisex | Graceful; Radiant; Divine |
| Oiva | | Boy | A noble and brave person |
| Oja | | Boy | Short form of Ojala; Vitality |
| Okko | | Boy | The color of Blue; The blue-colored person |
| Olavi | | Boy | One who always proves as superior |
| Onni | | Boy | Windfall; Godsend; Cheerfulness; Pleasure |
| Orvokki | | Girl | Large-flowered garden. |
| Oskari | | Boy | A jumping and leaping warrior |
| Osmo | | Boy | A young and energetic name |
| Ossian | | Boy | Fawn; a trusted and happy individual |
| Otha | | Girl | One who is wealthy and fortunate |
| Paiva | | Girl | Born during daylight; God of the Sun |
| Paivi | | Girl | A wonderful day; A beautiful beginning |
| Parvi | | Unisex | Festival |
| Pekko | | Boy | One with a sensitive and practical nature |
| Pilvi | | Girl | Cloud |
| Pinja | | Girl | Stone pine; Estonian pine |
| Piritta | | Girl | Exalted one; Strong and protective; To help; A variant of Birgit |
| Pirjo | | Girl | Exalted one; Strong and protective; To help; A variant of Birgit |
| Pirkko | | Girl | Exalted one; Strong and protective; To help; A variant of Birgit |
| Raakel | | Girl | Ewe |
| Raila | | Girl | One who is alert or spirited |
| Raili | | Girl | An ewe |
| Raimo | | Boy | Protector of advice |
| Raita | | Girl | Goat willow |
| Raitis | | Boy | A sober man |
| Rali | | Girl | A spirited person |
| Rammi | | Boy | A high father |
| Reijo | | Boy | An alert and always watchful person |
| Reimo | | Boy | A man who gives advice |
| Reino | | Boy | A wise ruler of men |
| Reko | | Boy | A person who is very watchful and careful |
| Rheign | | Unisex | Regal; Powerful; Sovereign |
| Rikkard | | Boy | A very strong one who rules men |
| Ritva | | Girl | The branch of the tree |
| Roope | | Boy | A bright and famous person |
| Ros | | Girl | A woman with the qualities of a rose |
| Rotri | | Boy | One who is famous wolf |
| Runo | | Boy | A man of secret lore |
| Rylo | | Unisex | Unique; Modern; Energetic |
| Saana | | Girl | A place name; The name of a mountain in Finland |
| Sakki | | Boy | The God remembers all |
Finland is impressive for being the eighth largest country in the world with the least population, yet it still holds a rich collection of Finnish baby names. Whether you go for a modern Finnish name or a traditional one, your child will still boast one of the most unique names that will make them pop out from the common choices. Finnish names are also historical because they are inspired by Biblical characters or based on Saints. While choosing a baby name, do keep in mind the certain rules and regulations of the Finnish government.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How has the naming trend changed over the years in Finland?
In recent years, the popularity of names in Finland has shown limited variation, with traditional names remaining popular choices. These favored names are short, consisting of two syllables, and are characterized by soft pronunciation. Additionally, traditional Finnish names are resurgent, showcasing a renewed interest in preserving cultural and familial heritage (2).
2. What are some Finnish baby names connected to Finnish music or sports?
Some Finnish baby names connected to Finnish music or sports include Aino, associated with the Finnish soprano Aino Ackté, and Kimi, related to Finnish Formula One driver Kimi Räikkönen.
3. What are some nature-inspired Finnish names?
Some nature-inspired Finnish names may include Aamu, meaning morning, Kielo meaning lily of the valley, and Vesa meaning sapling or young tree.
4. What is the Finnish name for God?
The Finnish name for God is Jumala, for the Christian God and other religious deities. Additionally, Paiva means God of the sun, and Assi and Atto represent Goddess.
5. What Finnish name means luck?
The Finnish boy’s name Onni means luck or fortune, while the girl’s name Sulamit signifies a woman with fortune or great luck.
References
- Finland Personal Names.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Finland_Personal_Names - Olivia and Leo are still the most popular children’s names in Finland – the majority of names are notified to the Population Information System through the new digital service;
https://dvv.fi/en/-/olivia-and-leo-are-still-the-most-popular-childrens-names-in-finland-the-majority-of-names-are-notified-to-the-population-information-system-through-the-new-digital-service
