Finnish Names for Boys
You're sure to find something to suit in our long-list of Finnish baby boy names, below. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
- Eero
Origin:
Finnish variation of EricMeaning:
"eternal ruler"Description:
Creative gem perfect for an architect's son, in tribute to modern Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.
- 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.
- Aro
Origin:
Finnish diminutive of AaronDescription:
Aro is a cute name from Scandinavia which, given the popularity of similar names like Milo, Arlo etc might be ripe for more usage outside of the Nordic countries.
- Valo
Origin:
Finnish; MalagasyMeaning:
"light"Description:
Really offbeat, upbeat multi-cultural name with light sound and meaning. Valo might make a more unique spin on Milo.
- Rasmus
Origin:
Finnish and Scandinavian variation of ErasmusMeaning:
"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.
- Timo
Origin:
Norwegian, Finnish, German, and Dutch variation of TimothyMeaning:
"honoring God"Description:
Popular in its own right in Germany and definitely makes a more intriguing and grownup short form of the classic Timothy than Timmy or even Tim.
- Taavi
Origin:
Estonian and Finnish form of David, HebrewMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
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.
- Arto
Origin:
Finnish variation of Arthur, CelticMeaning:
"bear"Description:
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 Artoush -- another Arthur variation meaning bear -- or Artavazd. In Spanish-speaking contexts, it could relate to "arte" meaning "art."
- Kalani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"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.
- Matti
Origin:
Finnish variation of Matthew, HebrewMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
We like Matti in theory, but in practice it’s likely to get confused for the girlish Maddie.
- Lauri
Description:
Lauri as a masculine name has Finnish and Estonian origins, where it serves as a variation of Lawrence or Laurence, ultimately derived from the Latin 'Laurentius,' meaning 'from Laurentum' (an ancient Roman city known for its laurel trees). In Finland, Lauri has been consistently popular, ranking among traditional favorites for boys. The name carries connotations of strength, victory, and honor, as laurel wreaths were symbols of achievement in classical antiquity. While primarily used for males in Nordic countries, Lauri can appear as a feminine name in some English-speaking regions (usually spelled Laurie), creating an interesting cross-cultural contrast. The name has a straightforward, strong sound while maintaining a friendly, approachable quality.
- Aalto
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"wave"Description:
The last name of Finnish moderne designer/architect makes an original, creative choice with an unexpected water-related meaning.
- Toivo
Origin:
Finnish, EstonianMeaning:
"hope"Description:
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 ancestry, you may want to consider reviving this one with a positive meaning.
- Samuli
Description:
Samuli is a masculine Finnish name that serves as a variation of Samuel, which has Hebrew origins meaning "name of God" or "God has heard." Popular in Finland and other Nordic countries, Samuli maintains cultural connections while offering a distinctive alternative to the more internationally common Samuel. The name features the characteristic Finnish ending "-i" that gives it a melodic quality when pronounced. While primarily used in Finland, its resemblance to familiar international names makes it accessible to non-Finnish speakers. Samuli gained modest popularity in Finland during the late 20th century and continues to be chosen by parents seeking a name with both national character and biblical roots.
- Markku
Description:
Markku is a Finnish masculine name that serves as the Finnish equivalent of Mark or Marcus. These names ultimately derive from the Latin 'Marcus,' which was possibly connected to Mars, the Roman god of war. Markku has been consistently popular in Finland for generations and represents a distinctive example of how classical names have been adapted into Finnish linguistic patterns. The double 'k' is characteristic of Finnish phonology and spelling conventions. While very common in Finland, Markku remains rare outside Nordic countries and Finnish communities abroad. The name has a strong, straightforward quality with its distinct Finnish character. Notable bearers include Finnish athletes and artists, contributing to the name's cultural significance within Finland.
- Eetu
Origin:
Finnish variation of EdwardDescription:
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.
- Erkki
Description:
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 the elements "ei" (ever, always) and "ríkr" (ruler, king). The name has been consistently popular in Finland for generations, representing a cornerstone of traditional Finnish naming practices. Erkki carries strong associations with Finnish national identity and cultural heritage. The double 'k' consonant sound is characteristic of Finnish phonology, giving the name its distinctive pronunciation. While primarily used in Finland and among Finnish diaspora communities, Erkki's straightforward pronunciation makes it accessible to speakers of other languages, though it remains strongly associated with Finnish culture.
- Kalle
Description:
Kalle is a masculine name with Scandinavian origins, particularly popular in Finland and Sweden. It originated as a diminutive form of Karl (or Carl), which derives from the Old Germanic word meaning 'free man' or 'man'. In Nordic countries, Kalle has long been used as an independent given name rather than just a nickname. The name combines historical depth with a friendly, approachable quality. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, its straightforward pronunciation (KAL-eh) and spelling make it accessible. In Sweden, the name has periodically ranked among the top 100 boys' names, appreciated for its traditional Nordic character balanced with a casual, youthful appeal.
- Janne
Origin:
Finnish variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
This common name in Finland, which is also a diminutive for Jan in Sweden, might feel a bit feminine in the English-speaking world, too close to girls' names Jan and Jane.
- Heikki
Origin:
Finnish form of Henry; "estate ruler"Meaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
This cute Finnish name could make for a fun way to honour a relative named Henry. A notable namesake is racing driver Heikki Kovalainen.