Finnish Baby Names for Boys
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, however, not all are currently popular or stylish in Finland itself.
Finnish Boy Names
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, however, not all are currently popular or stylish in Finland itself.
Finnish Boy Names
- 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.
- 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.
- Anton
Origin:
German, Russian, and Scandinavian variation of AnthonyDescription:
Cultured and cultivated in an old-style, Old World way. Sometimes associated with the classic writer Anton Chekhov. Al Pacino has a son with this name.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manu
Origin:
Finnish, Maori, Hawaiian, SanskritMeaning:
"greatest; bird; man"Description:
An international name that, although short and simple, sounds strong and distinctive. It can also be short for Magnus or Emmanuel.
- Niko
Origin:
Finnish variation of Nichoals; diminutive of Nikolaos, GreekMeaning:
"victory of the people"Description:
Slightly more worldly spelling of Nico.
- Rasmus
Origin:
Finnish and Scandinavian variation of ErasmusMeaning:
"beloved, desired"Description:
Form of ancient name newly popular in Eastern Europe. Virtually unknown in the U.S. but with its philosophical roots and uplifting meaning, seems prime for use. The Rasmus is a Finnish rock band
- Nilo
Origin:
Spanish diminutive of DanielMeaning:
"God is my judge"Description:
So much more worldly than Danny.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Aalto
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"wave"Description:
The last name of Finnish moderne designer/architect makes an original, creative choice with an unexpected water-related meaning.
- 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."
- Aki
Origin:
Japanese, Finnish; "born in the autumn, ancestor"Meaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Mikael
Origin:
Scandinavian, Finnish, and Breton form of MichaelDescription:
Entered the US Top 1000 for the first and only time in 2016, though this variation of Michael is very popular in Iceland and Puerto Rico.
- Markus
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, and Finnish form of MarkDescription:
The K may be trendy, but this spelling variation is much less popular than Marcus.
- 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.
- Arvo
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"value, worth"Description:
Arvo is a simple name virtually unknown in the US and UK that might get discovered thanks to the surprise popularity of Arlo.