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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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Sampo |  |  Boy | A God's temple |
| Samuli | | Boy | The God's name |
| Sanni | |  Unisex | Truth |
| Seela | | Unisex | Blissful; blessed |
| Seli | | Unisex | Graceful; Blessed |
| Sepi | | Boy | Smith |
| Siiri | |  Girl | A fair, beutiful woman who is victorious; A deminutive of Sigrid |
| Silja | | Girl | One who is blind; A short form of Cecilia |
| Sini | | Girl | A poetic name for the color blue |
| Sinikka | | Girl | One who is like the color blue |
| Sisu | | Unisex | Stoic determination; Tenacity; Resilience; Hardiness |
| Sivia | | Girl | One with a hart of a deer |
| Sivya | | Girl | One with a hart of a deer |
| Sofia | | Girl | Wisdom; Learned |
| Sohvi | | Girl | A woman of wisdom |
| Soila | | Girl | A glow of the northern polar lights |
| Solja | | Girl | A place name, a village in Finland |
| Soppa | | Boy | A woman with knowledge or wisdom |
| Sovia | | Girl | One with great wisdom and skills |
| Sulamit | | Girl | Woman of great luck and fortune |
| Sulo | | Boy | He who is of grace and charm |
| Suuvi | | Girl | A southern child of the summer |
| Suvi | | Girl | A summer child from the south |
| Taika | | Girl | A spell; Charm; Set of words invoking a magical effect |
| Taimi | | Girl | Young tree with a slender trunk |
| Taina | | Girl | Morning star |
| Tanel | | Boy | God is my judge |
| Tapio | | Boy | One who rules the forest |
| Tarmo | | Boy | One who is energy driven |
| Tarvo | | Boy | Wild aurochs |
| Tauno | | Boy | A modest man |
| Teemu | | Boy | People of victory |
| Teija | | Girl | God's gift |
| Tellervo | | Girl | Finnish Goddess of the forest |
| Terhi | | Girl | Mist |
| Tero | | Boy | A manly warrior |
| Terttu | | Girl | A bunch of berries |
| Tetta | | Girl | A bunch; A cluster |
| Teuvo | | Boy | A gift of God |
| Tiia | | Girl | A gift of joy from the God |
| Tippa | | Girl | A drop of any liquid |
| Toivo | | Boy | Faith; Trust; Promise |
| Tommi | | Unisex | Twin |
| Topias | | Boy | A jewel that is precious |
| Treasure | | Unisex | Valuable, precious, rare |
| Tresor | | Unisex | Treasure or precious |
| Tuomas | | Boy | Two babies born at the same time from the same pregnancy |
| Tuomo | | Boy | A form of Thomas; Twin |
| Tuula | | Girl | Blowing; Monsoon |
| Tuule | | Girl | Wind; Variant of Tuuli |
| Vaino | | Boy | Persecution |
| Valo | | Unisex | Light |
| Vayla | | Unisex | Hindu female deity of forests |
| Vesa | | Unisex | Spruce tree |
| Viro | | Unisex | Hero |
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
