Finnish Names

  1. Malin
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian diminutive of Magdalene
    • Meaning:

      "high tower or woman of Magdela"
    • Description:

      The sleek Malin is a contracted form of Magdalene or Madeleine, used in Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland. A popular choice back in the 2000s, it has declined in popularity in recent years, but it remains a concise and appealing choice.
  2. 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.
  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. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

  8. Aro
    • Origin:

      Finnish diminutive of Aaron
    • Description:

      Aro is a cute name from Scandinavia which, given the popularity of similar names like Milo, Arlo etc might be ripe for more usage outside of the Nordic countries.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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."
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Rikka
    • Description:

      Rikka is a charming feminine name with Scandinavian and Finnish origins, functioning as a diminutive form of names containing 'rik' meaning 'ruler' or 'powerful.' In Norse traditions, it's connected to names like Fredrikka or Henrikka, while in Finland it stands as an independent given name. The concise two-syllable structure gives it a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots. Rikka has remained relatively uncommon outside Nordic countries, giving it a distinctive quality while still being approachable in pronunciation. The name carries associations of strength and leadership from its etymological meaning while maintaining a soft, feminine sound. Its brevity and ending with 'a' align with modern naming preferences, making it appealing to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible with meaningful Nordic heritage.
  17. Lilja
    • Origin:

      Icelandic, Faroese, and Finnish variation of Lily; "lily"
    • Meaning:

      "lily"
    • Description:

      Cute and quirky Lily alternative.
  18. 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.
  19. Arto
    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Arthur, Celtic
    • Meaning:

      "bear"
    • Description:

      Arto is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Finnish, it derives from the name Arthur, meaning "bear" or "stone." It's also used in Armenian communities, where it may be short for Artoush -- another Arthur variation meaning bear -- or Artavazd. In Spanish-speaking contexts, it could relate to "arte" meaning "art."
  20. Sohvi
    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Sophia, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "wisdom"
    • Description:

      Sohvi is the Finnish translation of Sophia, although Sofia ranks as the most popular variation in Finland.