Finnish Names for Boys

Toivo

Finnish, Estonian

"hope"

This name was on the U.S. Top 1000 in the early 20th century, when recent immigrants frequently chose native names that have since died out for American babies. But if you're of Finnish or Estonian…

Reino

Finnish variation of Reynold

"council power"

An attractive Finnish name with the potential to cross borders.

Aatu

Finnish form of Adolph, German

"noble wolf"

Adolph is of course a name that is shunned by most people around the world, but Aatu is a form that feels far enough away from the original to be usable.

Arto

Finnish variation of Arthur, Celtic

"bear"

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…

Akseli

Finnish variation of Axel, Scandinavian

"father of peace"

A popular choice in Finland, where it ranks among the Top 50 boy names.

Perttu

Perttu is a masculine Finnish name derived from the Finnish version of Bartholomew (Perttu or Pertti). Its origins trace back to the Aramaic name Bar-Talmai, meaning 'son of Talmai' or 'son of the…

Kalle

Swedish diminutive and Finnish, Danish, and Estonian variant of Karl

"free man"

Typically used as a short form in Sweden and as a given name in Finland, Estonia, and Denmark, Kalle is a variation on Karl, in turn, making it to Charlie from Charles. Pronounced KAL-leh in Swedish…

Erkki

Erkki is a Finnish masculine name that serves as the Finnish equivalent of Eric or Erik. Deriving from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, Erkki ultimately means "eternal ruler" or "ever powerful," combining…

Kaarle

Kaarle is a Finnish variation of the name Charles, which has Germanic origins meaning 'free man' or 'manly'. This traditional Finnish form maintains the strong character of its root name while…

Taneli

Finnish from Hebrew

"God is my judge"

Finnish form of Daniel

Taavi

Estonian and Finnish form of David, Hebrew

"beloved"

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.

Eero

Finnish variation of Eric

"eternal ruler"

Creative gem perfect for an architect's son, in tribute to modern Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.

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.

Emeli

Emeli is a masculine name in some contexts, though it's more frequently used as a feminine name in most cultures. As a male name, it appears occasionally in Finnish and Estonian traditions,…

Rasmus

Finnish and Scandinavian variation of Erasmus

"beloved, desired"

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…

Pentti

Finnish variation of Benedict, Latin

"blessed"

A quirky international translation of Benedict.

Fenno

A Finnish tribe and language

If you've heard this name, it's probably from the hero of the acclaimed Julia Glass novel, Three Junes , or else the political scientist Richard Fenno. As well as a Finnish name, it's alos a Frisian…

Rieti

Rieti is a masculine name derived from the ancient Italian city of the same name, located in the Lazio region. As a given name, Rieti is extremely rare, functioning primarily as a…

Kustaa

Kustaa is a Finnish masculine name that serves as the Finnish form of Gustav or Augustus. It derives from the Old Norse elements 'Gautr,' referring to the Geats (an ancient Scandinavian people), and…

Artek

Artek is a masculine name with multiple cultural connections. In Slavic contexts, particularly Polish, it can be a diminutive form of names containing the element 'art' like Artur (Arthur). The name…