Finnish Names for Girls

  1. 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.
  2. Veera
    • Description:

      Veera is a feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Finnish, it means 'faith' or 'belief,' while in Hindi and Sanskrit, it derives from 'vira' meaning 'brave' or 'heroic.' This dual etymology makes it an appealing cross-cultural choice. In India, the name is used for both genders, though internationally it's more commonly feminine. The name has remained consistently used but never extremely common in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality without seeming exotic. In Finland and other Nordic countries, Veera has enjoyed moderate popularity since the late 20th century. The name's simplicity, strong meaning, and elegant sound contribute to its enduring appeal across different cultures and languages.
  3. Piritta
    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Birgitta
    • Meaning:

      "strength; exalted one"
    • Description:

      Leads to sweeter short forms Pirjo and Pirkko.
  4. Orvokki
    • Description:

      Orvokki is a distinctly Finnish feminine name derived from the Finnish word for 'violet' (the flower). This nature-inspired name reflects Finland's tradition of using floral and natural elements in naming. In Finnish culture, the violet symbolizes modesty, faithfulness, and springtime beauty. The name carries a poetic quality and strong cultural connection to Finnish heritage and natural landscapes. While common in Finland, Orvokki remains quite rare internationally, giving it an exotic appeal outside its country of origin. The name reached its peak popularity in Finland during the mid-20th century, though it's less commonly given to newborns today. Orvokki's connection to the delicate yet resilient violet flower imbues the name with subtle strength and natural elegance.
  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. Janne
    • Origin:

      Danish and Norwegian diminutive of Johanna
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. 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.
  10. Pirkko
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Piritta, Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "strength; exalted one"
    • Description:

      Cute and quirky nickname that stands on its own in Finland.
  11. 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.
  12. Mirja
    • Origin:

      Finnish form of Miriam
    • Description:

      If you are looking for an unusual way to honor an ancestral Mary or Miriam, Mirja might make a good choice. Zero baby girls were given this name in the US in 2014. The rising popularity of Anja has schooled English speakers that the j is pronounced like a y.
  13. Maikki
    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Mary
    • Description:

      An unusual name that has not ventured outside the Finnish culture.
  14. Pirjo
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Piritta, Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "strength; exalted one"
    • Description:

      Cutesy short form of Piritta, the Finnish variation of Birgitta.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.

  17. Saara
    • Description:

      Saara is a feminine name representing the Finnish and Estonian form of Sarah, which has Hebrew origins meaning "princess" or "noblewoman." This variation maintains the meaning of the original while adapting to Finno-Ugric phonetic patterns. Common in Finland, Estonia, and other Nordic countries, Saara has a crisp, clean sound with its double 'a' spelling that reflects typical Finnish orthography. While Sarah remains more widespread globally, Saara offers a distinctive cultural connection to Northern Europe. The name combines simplicity with elegance and carries the dignified meaning of its Hebrew root. Saara has maintained consistent usage in Finland, where traditional names often remain popular across generations.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.