Finnish Baby Names for Boys
Updated Thu Feb 01 2024
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Finnish baby names have a quirkier bent than those from the neighboring countries of Scandinavia. Finnish names split the difference between Nordic names and Baltic names — there is a lot of crossover between Finland and Estonia, in particular.
The most popular Finnish names for boys in Finland include Eeli, Eino, Vaino, Onni, and Leevi. You may be familiar with Finnish boy names such as Timo, Jussi, Mikko, Rami, and Eero — notably borne by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen. Rarer Finnish names for boys worth considering include Armas, Fenno, Harto, Kalevi, Rasmus, and Risto. Below, find the most accessible Finnish names for boys, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.
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- Lars
Origin:
Scandinavian from Latin LaurentiusMeaning:
"crowned with laurel"Description:
Lars is a perfect candidate for a cross-cultural passport: it has been heard often enough here to sound familiar and friendly, yet retains the charisma of a charming foreigner.
- Niko
Origin:
Finnish form of Nicholas and Croatian and Slovene short form, GreekMeaning:
"victory of the people"Description:
Popular in Croatia, Spain, New Zealand, and Slovenia, Niko has also been rising up the US popularity charts for boys since the late 2000s. Fresher than Nicholas, spikier than Nico, it currently ranks just outside the US Top 300.
- Anton
Origin:
German, Russian, and Scandinavian variation of Anthony, LatinMeaning:
"from Antium"Description:
Cultured and cultivated in an old-style, Old World way, Anton is popular across Europe. It may be associated with the classic Russian playwright Anton Chekhov and also with ballroom dancer Anton Du Beke.
- Aki
Origin:
Japanese; FinnishMeaning:
"born in the autumn; ancestor"Description:
A name known in several cultures, also through animated book character Tiger Aki. Finnish author Aki Ollikainen is another notable bearer.
- 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.
- Nilo
Origin:
Spanish diminutive of DanielMeaning:
"God is my judge"Description:
So much more worldly than Danny.
- Rami
Origin:
Finnish, Arabic, Sanskrit "wise protector; father of multitudes; archer; pleasing"Meaning:
"wise protector; father of multitudes; archer; pleasing"Description:
Rami has gained notoriety in the English-speaking world as the first name of the Oscar-nominated actor Rami Malek, whose parents immigrated to the US from Egypt. Rami also feels more approachable thanks to the stylish Remi, Romy, and Rumi. The only challenge is keeping the pronunciation on track.
- Manu
Origin:
Finnish, Maori, Hawaiian, SanskritMeaning:
"greatest; bird; wise"Description:
An international name that, although short and simple, sounds strong and distinctive.
- Joa
Origin:
Finnish and Swedish diminutive of Joachim, HebrewMeaning:
"established by God"Description:
A friendly nickname for Joachim, also used independently in Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, Joa would be pronounced as YO-ah in Finnish, but more like YOO-a in Swedish.
- 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.
- Henri
Origin:
French and Finnish variation of Henry, GermanMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
The chic Euro spelling of Henry is rising along with the original form.
- Alvi
Origin:
Finnish variation of Albin, LatinMeaning:
"white"Description:
Although it resembles Alvie, Alvi has separate origins. It comes from the Latin name Albin, meaning "white," while Alvie is derived from Alvin, meaning "noble friend."
- Markus
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, and Finnish form of MarkDescription:
The K may be trendy, but this spelling variation is much less popular than Marcus.
- Miska
Origin:
Finnish diminutive of MikaelMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
Along with Mika, a nickname for Mikael.
- Mika
Origin:
Finnish short form of MikaelMeaning:
"who is like God"Description:
This short form of Mikael, a variation of Michael, may originate in Finland but it's most popular in Germany and The Netherlands. Mika can make a cute and original way to honor a Michael in the family, but be prepared for a lot of people pronouncing it with a long i as in Mike.
- Seppo
Origin:
Finnish variation on Sebastian, LatinMeaning:
"person from the ancient city of Sebastia"Description:
Seppo has two separate Finnish origins. The first is as a nickname for Sebastian, a name used widely across Europe. The second version is derived from the Finnish word seppä, meaning "smith."
- Mikko
Origin:
Finnish, from HebrewMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
Cute Finnish version of Michael.