​
​
Advanced Search

Finnish Names

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Nov 30 2023
  1. 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.
  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. 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.
  5. 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.
  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. 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".
  8. 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.
  9. 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.

  10. 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."
  11. Kalani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "the heavens"

    • Description:

      This name is one of the hot new spiritual names for both sexes. In Hawaiian it means "chieftain of the sky" or "spirit of the sky,"and is extremely popular for boys.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.

  14. 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.
  15. Ayn

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Ayn is a nonconformist name associated with controversial Russian-born writer and philosopher Ayn Rand, (born Alisa) author of The Fountainhead, who adopted it when she moved to the US in 1926.
  16. Lilja

    • Origin:

      Icelandic, Faroese, and Finnish variation of Lily; "lily"

    • Meaning:

      "lily"

    • Description:

      Cute and quirky Lily alternative.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. Valo

    • Origin:

      Finnish; Malagasy

    • Meaning:

      "light; eight"

    • Description:

      Valo, an unusual entry in the o-ending category, can work for girls in the US. On Nameberry, it's especially popular among visitors from Bangladesh.
  20. Vaino

    • Origin:

      Finnish

    • Meaning:

      "wide river, backwater"

    • Description:

      A popular Finnish male name properly spelt Väinö, which derives from Väinämöinen – a hero from Finnish legend. Vaino (without the diacritic marks) is a Finnish word meaning "persecution" and so is not used in Finland as a name in this form.