Finnish Names that Start With S

The one-named singer clarified the confusing pronunciation on this one (in her case, it's shah-DAY), but a number of parents have looked for more phonetic spellings. The Finnish version means "rain."

To the non-Scandinavian ear, a cute and unusual nickname name, used by Finnish supermodel Suvi Koponen. It has a zippy, yet sunny feel to it, and could make an interesting alternative to Susie.

Selka is an uncommon feminine name with a whole variety of possible origins. Its crisp, modern sound and rare-yet-familiar feel, make it an alluring choice.

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

This pretty Finnish name is a diminutive of a diminutive, going from Sarah to Sari to Saija.

Sohvi is the Finnish translation of Sophia, although Sofia ranks as the most popular variation in Finland.

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.

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.

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.