Finnish Names for Girls
- Aili
Origin:
Finnish and Sami variation of Helga, diminutive of Aileen, Anglicization of EilidhMeaning:
"holy, blessed; bright and shining light"Description:
An attractive Scandinavian take on Helga, or a potential Helen nickname.
- Valma
Description:
Valma is a feminine name with Finnish and Aboriginal Australian origins. In Finnish contexts, it may be related to 'valmu' meaning 'poppy flower' or derive from 'valmis' meaning 'ready' or 'complete.' In Aboriginal Australian usage, the meaning may vary according to specific language groups. The name gained modest popularity in Australia during the early 20th century but has since become uncommon. Valma has a distinctive sound with its short, crisp syllables, making it both straightforward to pronounce and memorable. The name carries a vintage charm while avoiding the overused quality of many revived classic names. Though rare in international contexts, Valma appeals to parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with cross-cultural connections.
- Pirjo
Origin:
Diminutive of Piritta, FinnishMeaning:
"strength; exalted one"Description:
Cutesy short form of Piritta, the Finnish variation of Birgitta.
- Saija
Origin:
Finnish diminutive of SarahMeaning:
"princess"Description:
This pretty Finnish name is a diminutive of a diminutive, going from Sarah to Sari to Saija.
- Vilja
Origin:
Finnish, Swedish, SlavicMeaning:
"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.
- Ayn
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Pauliina
Description:
Pauliina is a feminine Finnish variant of the Latin name Paula, ultimately derived from Paulus meaning 'small' or 'humble.' This distinctively Finnish form features the characteristic double 'i' that appears in many Finnish names, creating a flowing, melodic quality. Primarily used in Finland and among Finnish diaspora communities, Pauliina has maintained steady popularity throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The name balances traditional roots with a distinctive Nordic character. Pauliina may be shortened to the affectionate forms Pauli or Liina. Finnish naming traditions often feature these longer, fuller forms for official use, while embracing shorter versions for everyday life.
- Silja
Description:
Silja is a feminine name with Scandinavian and Finnish origins, representing a variation of Cecilia or a nickname for Sylvia in these cultures. The name carries a crisp, clean sound characteristic of Nordic naming traditions. In Finnish usage, it's been a consistently appreciated though not overwhelmingly popular choice. Silja has deeper historical roots than might appear at first glance, with connections to Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music. The name offers international appeal while remaining uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Its brevity and melodic sound make it both practical and aesthetically pleasing, potentially appealing to parents seeking a name that's simple but not commonplace.
- Riitta
Description:
Riitta is a feminine Finnish name that serves as the Finnish form of Britta or Bridget. The double 'i' is characteristic of Finnish spelling patterns and is pronounced with a long 'ee' sound (REET-tah). The name ultimately derives from the Irish Bridget, meaning "strength" or "exalted one," which was the name of an Irish goddess and later a popular saint. Riitta has been consistently popular in Finland throughout the 20th century, particularly among women born in the 1940s-1960s. Outside of Finland and Finnish communities, the name remains quite rare. Riitta combines the distinctiveness of Finnish naming traditions with an approachable sound and meaningful heritage.
- Annalie
Origin:
Nordic, GermanMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Melodious and unusual form of a name with an uncountable number of variations. Many will understand it as the more down-to-earth Annalee.
- Niina
Description:
Niina is a beautiful Finnish variation of Nina, though it's also used in Estonia and other Baltic regions. The doubled 'i' creates a distinctive spelling while maintaining the same pronunciation as Nina in most cases. With roots in multiple languages, Niina carries various meanings including 'grace' from its Spanish connections and 'strong' or 'mighty' from its Slavic origins. In Nordic countries, the name has been consistently popular since the mid-20th century, appreciated for its simple elegance and international appeal. Niina strikes a perfect balance between familiarity and uniqueness, offering a slightly uncommon spelling of a recognized name. Though more prevalent in Finland and neighboring countries, Niina has gained modest recognition globally as parents seek names with cross-cultural significance and distinctive character.
- Janne
Origin:
Danish and Norwegian diminutive of JohannaMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
This common name for both boys and girls in Scandinavia would definitely work better as a feminine name in the U.S.
- Noora
Description:
Noora is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Finnish tradition, it's a variant of Nora or Eleanor, ultimately derived from the Latin 'Honora' meaning 'honor.' In Arabic cultures, Noora (نورة) means 'light' or 'divine light,' making it a name with beautiful significance across different heritages. The name is particularly popular in Finland, Estonia, and various Middle Eastern countries. Noora has a pleasing musical quality with its flowing vowels while remaining short and easy to pronounce across language barriers. The dual cultural significance makes it appealing to multicultural families or those appreciating its international character. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, Noora offers a distinctive alternative to more common names like Nora or Hannah, with its own rich cultural associations.
- Leea
Description:
Leea is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Lea or Leah, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'weary' or 'meadow.' Alternatively, it could derive from the Hawaiian name Lia, meaning 'bearer of good news.' The double 'e' spelling gives the traditional name a modern, unique twist while maintaining its soft, flowing sound. The name appears in nature as well, referring to a genus of plants in the grape family. Leea remains relatively uncommon, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive. The name carries a gentle, feminine quality with its melodic pronunciation and can be found across various cultures, though with different spelling variations.
- Mirjam
Description:
Mirjam is a feminine name representing a Central European and Scandinavian variation of Miriam, which ultimately derives from Hebrew origins. In the Bible, Miriam was Moses' sister, giving the name deep historical and religious significance. The spelling 'Mirjam' is particularly common in Germany, the Netherlands, Estonia, and across Scandinavian countries. The name carries connotations of rebellion and strength, with possible meanings including 'bitter,' 'beloved,' or 'wished-for child.' While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Mirjam maintains steady popularity in Northern and Central Europe, appreciated for its biblical roots and melodic sound.
- Karoliina
Description:
Karoliina is a feminine name primarily used in Finnish and Estonian cultures. It's a variation of Caroline or Carolina, which ultimately derive from the masculine name Charles (Karl, Carl), meaning 'free man' or 'strong.' The elongated form with double 'i' is characteristic of Finnish naming conventions, giving it a melodic, flowing quality. While common in Finland, Karoliina remains relatively unusual in other parts of the world. The name carries a blend of traditional European roots with distinctive Nordic flair. Its musical quality with five syllables creates a rhythmic, elegant impression. For families with Finnish heritage or those drawn to Scandinavian names, Karoliina offers cultural authenticity with classic origins.
- Maikki
Origin:
Finnish variation of MaryDescription:
An unusual name that has not ventured outside the Finnish culture.
- Salli
Description:
Salli is a feminine name that serves as a variation of Sally, which originated as a diminutive of Sarah, meaning 'princess' in Hebrew. This distinctive spelling offers a fresh take on the classic, infusing it with a touch of Nordic influence, as similar spellings are found in Finnish and Estonian naming traditions. Salli maintains the friendly, approachable quality of Sally while standing out visually. The name peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century but has become less common, giving it a vintage charm. With its short, bright sound pattern and simple spelling, Salli appeals to parents seeking a name that balances familiarity with uniqueness, offering a slight twist on a traditional favorite.
- Kaarina
Description:
Kaarina is a Finnish feminine name derived from the name Katherine, ultimately tracing back to the Greek name Aikaterine, meaning 'pure.' Popular in Finland and among Finnish diaspora communities, this melodic name carries a distinctive Nordic character while remaining approachable internationally. The double 'a' creates a flowing, musical quality characteristic of Finnish naming traditions. Kaarina has historical significance in Finland, where Saint Catherine (Kaarina) of Alexandria is venerated. The name experienced peak popularity in Finland during the mid-20th century but continues to be used, appreciated for its cultural heritage and elegant sound. Outside Finland, Kaarina offers families with Finnish roots a way to honor their heritage while giving their daughter a name that stands out without being difficult to pronounce.
- Leeah
Description:
Leeah is a modern variation of the traditional Hebrew name Leah, which means 'weary' or 'delicate' in its original form, though some modern interpretations suggest it means 'wild cow' or 'gazelle' in Assyrian or Ugaritic languages. The additional 'e' gives this spelling a contemporary feel while maintaining the name's ancient roots. In the Bible, Leah was Jacob's first wife and mother of six sons who became founders of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Leeah spelling emerged in recent decades as parents sought unique variations of classic names. While less common than the traditional Leah spelling, Leeah offers a creative twist that maintains the name's soft, feminine sound while standing apart with its distinctive orthography.
