International Baby Names
Finnish Baby Names
Across 6 pages
of 6
About this list
Finnish names may look simple, but those double vowels are undeniably exotic to native English speakers. The relative unconventionality of Finnish names may explain why they are rarer in the US than those from other Nordic countries, such as Sweden and Norway.
The most popular Finnish baby names in Finland include Eevi, Venla, Aino, Aada, and Helmi for girls, and Eeli, Eino, Vaino, Onni, and Leevi for boys. Among the most wearable Finnish names on a non-Finnish baby are Ailana, Hilma, Lumi, and Minna for girls, and Arvo, Harto, Rami, and Risto for boys.
Finnish baby names are extremely uncommon in the US, so if you're hunting for a unique name for your child, this is an ideal place to look. Here are some prime Finnish baby name examples.
RELATED:
The names
Lotta
Short form of Charlotta or Carlotta, forms of Charlotte, French
"free man"
This nickname-name is very popular in Germany, though Lottie is still the preferred version in the US. The problem, of course, is that you'll have to put up with a lotta jokes. See?
Hilma
German
"protective helmet"
Hilma is heard in Germany and the Scandinavian countries, and sometimes used as a shortening of Wilhelmina--though there are more appealing German names for girls . to be found. Hilma Wolitzer is an…
Minna
Diminutive of Wilhelmina, German
"resolute protection; love"
One of those pan-European nickname names much more familiar in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe than in the US, though related name Mina is making a comeback here. Light and bright, it could be an…
Arvo
Finnish
"value, worth"
Arvo is a simple name virtually unknown in the US and UK that might get discovered thanks to the surprise popularity of Arlo.
Aili
Finnish and Sami variation of Helga, diminutive of Aileen, Anglicization of Eilidh
"holy, blessed; bright and shining light"
An attractive Scandinavian take on Helga, or a potential Helen nickname.
Aki
Japanese; Finnish
"born in the autumn; ancestor"
A name known in several cultures, also through animated book character Tiger Aki. Finnish author Aki Ollikainen is another notable bearer.
Aimo
Finnish
"fair-sized, good amount"
Aimo was most common in Finland and Scandinavian during the first half of the 20th century.
Aija
Aija is a feminine name found in several cultures, particularly in Latvia where it's quite popular. In Latvian, the name is thought to derive from words meaning 'breath' or 'breeze,' conveying…
Armas
Finnish
"beloved"
Armas is an antiquated Finnish word with a loving meaning and a straightforward spelling and pronunciation. A rare name with potential.
Erno
Finnish variation of Ernest, English from German
"serious, resolute"
Cooler than Ernest and less Muppet-like than Ernie, the Finnish Erno may be the best way to honor someone with an Ern- name.
Arttu
Finnish, from Celtic
"bear"
This cute form of Arthur has something distinctly cool about it — from the unique "ooh" ending sound, to the harsher double T in the middle. In Finland, Arttu was a Top 10 name in the 2000s and…
Anneli
Scandinavian variation of Annalie or Hannah
"grace"
Anneli is one of the hundreds of Anne variations with an intriguing spelling. This name has been popular throughout Scandinavia over time and would certainly translate easily to English-speaking…
Auri
Finnish
An airy variant of the Finnish name Aura, which derives either from the Greek "aura" (breath; breeze) or from Old Norse "aurr" (earth; clay). It is also sometimes encountered as a short form of…
Eero
Finnish variation of Eric
"eternal ruler"
Creative gem perfect for an architect's son, in tribute to modern Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.
Eilo
Finnish variation of Eila, Norwegian
"bright, shining light"
Eilo is one of the few masculine names to derive from a feminine one. It comes from Eila, the Norwegian variation of Elina.
Anja
Scandinavian; Finnish; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from Russian
"grace"
Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika. Anja is heard in several European cultures, including Germany, the…
Eeva
Eeva is a feminine name that is the Finnish and Estonian form of Eve. The name traces back to the Hebrew "Chavah" meaning "living one" or "source of life," and is associated with the first woman in…
Elvi
Diminutive of Elviira, Finnish from Spanish
"white; fair"
Elvi is one of those elusive names that fit in yet stand out. It's similar to currently trendy girl names such as Ellie and Evie but maintains distinction.
Eetu
Finnish variation of Edward
Eetu is a perennial favorite in Finland, but is rarely if ever used in the States - probably because of the unfamiliar (to most people) spelling and pronunciation.
Akseli
Finnish variation of Axel, Scandinavian
"father of peace"
A popular choice in Finland, where it ranks among the Top 50 boy names.
