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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- Arttu
Origin:
Finnish, from CelticMeaning:
"bear"Description:
This cute form of Arthur has something distinctly cool about it — from the unique "ooh" ending sound, to the harsher double T in the middle. In Finland, Arttu was a Top 10 name in the 2000s and stayed in the Top 50 until 2013.
- Anton
Origin:
German, Russian, and Scandinavian variation of AnthonyDescription:
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.
- 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 variation of Nichoals; diminutive of Nikolaos, 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.
- 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.
- Otso
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"bear"Description:
A common animal name in Finland, it could work as an alternative to Otto or Otis.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manu
Origin:
Finnish, Maori, Hawaiian, SanskritMeaning:
"greatest; bird; wise"Description:
An international name that, although short and simple, sounds strong and distinctive.
- Nilo
Origin:
Spanish diminutive of DanielMeaning:
"God is my judge"Description:
So much more worldly than Danny.
- Joa
Origin:
Finnish and Swedish diminutive of Joachim, HebrewMeaning:
"established by God"Description:
A friendly nickname for Joachim, also used independently in Finland and Sweden.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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."
- 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.
- Lavi
Origin:
Hebrew; diminutive of Olavi, FinnishMeaning:
"lion; ancestor's relic"Description:
Lavi is a rare member of the trendy leonine group of names in the US, but in Israel it's among the Top 10 boy names. It makes a good alternative to Levi.
- Kauri
Origin:
Maori or FinnishMeaning:
"tree or deer"Description:
A Maori name derived from a type of tree native to New Zealand's North Island.
- Markus
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, and Finnish form of MarkDescription:
The K may be trendy, but this spelling variation is much less popular than Marcus.
- Aalto
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"wave"Description:
The last name of Finnish moderne designer/architect makes an original, creative choice with an unexpected water-related meaning.
- Onni
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"happiness, luck"Description:
Onni is the Number 1 boy's name in Finland yet largely unknown in the English-speaking world. Its uplifting meaning makes it a plausible possibility if you want to honor your Nordic heritage.