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Finnish Names for Boys

  1. 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.
  2. Jalmari

    • Origin:

      Finnish form of Old Norse Hjalmar

    • Meaning:

      "helmet protector"

    • Description:

      Distinctive-sounding Scandinavian name. with deep roots. Short form is the attractive Jari.
  3. Reino

    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Reynold

    • Meaning:

      "council power"

    • Description:

      An attractive Finnish name with the potential to cross borders.
  4. Severi

    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Severin, French

    • Meaning:

      "stern, serious"

    • Description:

      Makes Severin and Severus a little less, well, severe.
  5. Pertti

    • Description:

      Pertti is a Finnish masculine name that serves as a variation of 'Bert' or 'Bertil,' which ultimately derive from Germanic elements meaning 'bright' or 'illustrious.' Common in Finland throughout the 20th century, Pertti enjoyed particular popularity in the mid-century decades. The name reflects Finnish phonetic patterns with its double consonant and ending with a vowel sound. Outside of Finland and Finnish communities, Pertti remains quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality internationally. The name carries associations with Finnish cultural identity and traditional values. For those with Finnish heritage, choosing Pertti can be a way to honor family roots and cultural connections while giving a child a name that stands out in more diverse communities.
  6. Aalto

    • Origin:

      Finnish

    • Meaning:

      "wave"

    • Description:

      The last name of Finnish moderne designer/architect makes an original, creative choice with an unexpected water-related meaning.
  7. Janne

    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of John

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. Kustaa

    • Description:

      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 'stafr' meaning 'staff' or 'support.' The name carries historical significance in Finland, as several Swedish kings named Gustav ruled over Finland during the period of Swedish governance. Most notably, King Gustav II Adolf and Gustav III influenced Finnish history significantly. Kustaa has a strong, distinctive sound characteristic of Finnish names, with their emphasis on vowel sounds. While primarily used in Finland, the name represents Finnish cultural heritage and linguistic traditions. Though less common among younger generations as more international names have gained popularity, Kustaa remains a respected traditional name with deep cultural roots in Finnish history and identity.
  9. Aatu

    • Origin:

      Finnish form of Adolph, German

    • Meaning:

      "noble wolf"

    • Description:

      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.
  10. Helsinki

    • Origin:

      Finnish place-name

    • Description:

      Though lots of obscure place-names are now on the map, it's hard to imagine this one inspiring anyone.
  11. Akseli

    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Axel, Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "father of peace"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Benedict, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "blessed"

    • Description:

      A quirky international translation of Benedict.
  13. Eetu

    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Edward

    • Description:

      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.
  14. Raimo

    • Description:

      Raimo is a masculine Finnish name derived from the Germanic element 'ragin' meaning 'counsel' or 'decision.' It's essentially the Finnish form of Raymond, which combines 'ragin' with 'mund' meaning 'protector.' Popular in Finland and other Nordic countries, Raimo has been a traditional choice for Finnish boys for generations. Outside Scandinavia, the name remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic yet accessible quality for international use. Its straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it practical across cultures despite its distinctive character. The name projects strength and wisdom, consistent with its etymological roots, while its compact two-syllable structure gives it a modern, efficient feel.
  15. Perttu

    • Description:

      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 furrows.' In Finland, the name is celebrated on Bartholomew's Day (August 24), traditionally marking the end of summer. Perttu has moderate popularity in Finland but remains rare internationally. The name carries cultural significance in Finnish heritage, often associated with harvest traditions as Perttu's Day was historically when the harvest began. Finnish speakers pronounce it with a rolled 'r' and emphasis on the first syllable (PEHR-too).
  16. Rieti

    • Description:

      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 place-name-turned-personal-name, similar to other Italian location names like Florence or Milan. The city itself has Sabine origins dating back to pre-Roman times, giving the name deep historical roots. The pronunciation typically follows Italian patterns (ree-ET-ee), with a melodic quality characteristic of Italian names. While virtually unknown in popularity rankings, Rieti might appeal to parents with family connections to the region or those seeking an extremely uncommon Italian-derived name. It offers a distinctive two-syllable option with a fashionable 'i' ending that works well in contemporary naming landscapes.

  17. Vilppu

    • Description:

      Vilppu is a masculine Finnish name with historical roots in Finland's naming tradition. Derived as a Finnish variation of the name William or Wilhelm, which has Germanic origins meaning 'resolute protector' or 'determined guardian.' This distinctively Finnish adaptation carries the strength and dependability of its source while expressing Finnish linguistic patterns. Uncommon outside Finland and Finnish communities, Vilppu represents cultural heritage and linguistic distinctiveness. Traditional in character, the name has maintained modest usage in Finland throughout generations rather than following dramatic popularity trends. The double 'p' gives the name a strong, distinctive sound characteristic of Finnish phonology. Vilppu appeals particularly to those with Finnish heritage or parents seeking an authentically Nordic name with historical depth.
  18. 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.

  19. Mauno

    • Description:

      Mauno is a Finnish masculine name with roots in ancient Germanic naming traditions. It's the Finnish form of Magnus, which derives from Latin meaning "great" or "powerful." The name has been particularly popular in Finland and other Nordic countries, with one notable bearer being Mauno Koivisto, who served as President of Finland from 1982 to 1994. Despite its strong presence in Finnish culture, Mauno remains relatively uncommon internationally, giving it a distinctive Nordic character. The name has a pleasing rhythmic quality with its two syllables and strong consonants balanced by open vowel sounds. Its meaning carries connotations of strength and dignity while its sound has a modern, approachable quality.

  20. 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.