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Finnish Names

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Nov 30 2023
  1. Lumi

    • Origin:

      Finnish

    • Meaning:

      "snow"

    • Description:

      Lumi may be a rare girls' name in the USA and England, but it comes in the Top 50 in Finland, where it means snow. Given the popularity of Winter, Holly, Ivy and many other wintery-christmassy names, we think that short and spunky Lumi definitely has potential for greater usage outside its home country as one of the more unusual names for Christmas babies.
  2. Eero

    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Eric

    • Meaning:

      "eternal ruler"

    • Description:

      Creative gem perfect for an architect's son, in tribute to modern Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.
  3. Juni

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "June"

    • Description:

      Juni is the Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Finnish form of the month name June. While Juni feels cute and fresh, most Americans would assume it was a nickname or a Joni variation. We prefer Juna or the English June.
  4. Sade

    • Origin:

      Finnish, Nigerian and Yoruba, diminutive of Folashade

    • Meaning:

      "rain; honor bestows a crown"

    • Description:

      The one-named singer clarified the confusing pronunciation on this one (in her case, it's shah-DAY), but a number of parents have looked for more phonetic spellings. The Finnish version means "rain."
  5. Malin

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian diminutive of Magdalene

    • Meaning:

      "high tower or woman of Magdela"

    • Description:

      A multi-cultural name that's in the Norwegian Top 50 and well-used throughout the Scandinavian cultures. Malin has the advantage of being at once simple and unusual.
  6. Suvi

    • Origin:

      Finnish

    • Meaning:

      "summer"

    • Description:

      To the non-Scandinavian ear, a cute and unusual nickname name, used by Finnish supermodel Suvi Koponen. It has a zippy, yet sunny feel to it, and could make an interesting alternative to Susie.
  7. Rasmus

    • Origin:

      Finnish and Scandinavian variation of Erasmus

    • Meaning:

      "beloved, desired"

    • Description:

      A form of ancient name newly popular in Eastern Europe, Rasmus is rugged and distinctive - and on trend in Estonia and Finland. Virtually unknown in the U.S. but with its philosophical roots and uplifting meaning, Rasmus seems prime for use. The Rasmus is a Finnish rock band.
  8. Ailana

    • Origin:

      Kazakh

    • Meaning:

      "moonlight"

    • Description:

      A pretty Kazakh name derived from Turkish ayla, meaning "moonlight". The Hawaiian name 'Ailana (with the 'okina mark) means "loving".
  9. Selka

    • Origin:

      Variation of Selkie, Selda, Zelda, Zelig, or Silke, Scottish, Polish, German, Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "seal folk; gray fighting maid; blessed, happy; heavenly"

    • Description:

      Selka is an uncommon feminine name with a whole variety of possible origins. Its crisp, modern sound and rare-yet-familiar feel, make it an alluring choice.
  10. Valo

    • Origin:

      Finnish; Malagasy

    • Meaning:

      "light"

    • Description:

      Really offbeat, upbeat multi-cultural name with light sound and meaning. Valo might make a more unique spin on Milo.
  11. Ilma

    • Origin:

      Finnish, Hungarian, Spanish, or literary Quenya

    • Meaning:

      "air; starlight"

    • Description:

      A name that's unknown in the US and Britain but is popular as a nature name in Finland. May also be known as a Hungarian variation of Amelia and a Spanish form of Wilhelmina.
  12. Aalto

    • Origin:

      Finnish

    • Meaning:

      "wave"

    • Description:

      The last name of Finnish moderne designer/architect makes an original, creative choice with an unexpected water-related meaning.
  13. Vilja

    • Origin:

      Finnish, Swedish, Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "grain, will, fairy"

    • Description:

      A name made most famous by the operetta The Merry Widow which features "The Vilja's Song". A vila is a woodland spirit or fairy in Slavic mythology. Vilja also means "grain" in Finnish and "will, intent" in Swedish, and is very popular as a girls' name in Scandinavia, ranking in the Top 100 in both Finland and Norway.
  14. Esa

    • Description:

      Esa is a masculine name with multicultural origins. In Finnish, it's a traditional name meaning 'God is my salvation' or 'God helps,' equivalent to the biblical name Isaiah. In Arabic cultures, Esa (عيسى) is the name for Jesus, making it a name of profound religious significance. The name's brevity gives it a modern appeal despite its ancient origins. Esa has remained consistently used in Finland and various Muslim communities, though it's relatively uncommon in Western countries. Its cross-cultural presence, meaningful spiritual connections, and simple pronunciation make it attractive to parents seeking a name with depth that works well internationally.
  15. Mini

    • Description:

      Mini is a feminine name that functions as both a standalone name and a diminutive nickname for longer names like Minerva, Minnie, Jasmine, or Dominique. Derived from various linguistic roots depending on the culture, it often connotes smallness or daintiness from the English word 'miniature.' The name has a playful, affectionate quality that maintains its charm from childhood through adulthood. While not among the most common given names in any country, Mini has international recognition and cross-cultural appeal. It gained some additional recognition through association with the Mini Cooper car brand and various fictional characters. The name's brevity and friendly sound make it accessible across language barriers.

  16. Lilya

    • Description:

      Lilya is a charming feminine name with Slavic and Russian origins, functioning as a diminutive of Liliya, the Russian form of Lily. The name ultimately connects to the lily flower, a symbol of purity, innocence, and beauty across many cultures. Lilya has been used traditionally in Eastern European countries including Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The name carries a delicate, feminine quality while maintaining a distinctive international character. Though less common in Western countries, it has gained some recognition through cultural exchange and immigration. Lilya offers parents a name that feels both familiar yet unique, with its connection to the popular 'Lily' family while maintaining its own cultural identity.

  17. Meri

    • Origin:

      Finnish; Maori

    • Meaning:

      "sea; Mary"

    • Description:

      Upbeat name that cheers you as soon as you hear it. One famous bearer is Maori feminist Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia.
  18. Kalle

    • Description:

      Kalle is a masculine name with Scandinavian origins, particularly popular in Finland and Sweden. It originated as a diminutive form of Karl (or Carl), which derives from the Old Germanic word meaning 'free man' or 'man'. In Nordic countries, Kalle has long been used as an independent given name rather than just a nickname. The name combines historical depth with a friendly, approachable quality. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, its straightforward pronunciation (KAL-eh) and spelling make it accessible. In Sweden, the name has periodically ranked among the top 100 boys' names, appreciated for its traditional Nordic character balanced with a casual, youthful appeal.
  19. Taavi

    • Origin:

      Estonian and Finnish form of David, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "beloved"

    • Description:

      A compact yet impactful name, Taavi is an international variation of the Biblical classic David, notably used in Estonia and Finland. Estonian prime minister Taavi Rõivas was one bearer of the name.
  20. Timo

    • Origin:

      Norwegian, Finnish, German, and Dutch variation of Timothy

    • Meaning:

      "honoring God"

    • Description:

      Popular in its own right in Germany and definitely makes a more intriguing and grownup short form of the classic Timothy than Timmy or even Tim.