Finnish Baby Names
Updated Thu Aug 22 2024
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Finnish names may look simple, but those double vowels are undeniably exotic to native English speakers. The relative unconventionality of Finnish names may explain why they are rarer in the US than those from other Nordic countries, such as Sweden and Norway.
The most popular Finnish baby names in Finland include Eevi, Venla, Aino, Aada, and Helmi for girls, and Eeli, Eino, Vaino, Onni, and Leevi for boys. Among the most wearable Finnish names on a non-Finnish baby are Ailana, Hilma, Lumi, and Minna for girls, and Arvo, Harto, Rami, and Risto for boys.
Finnish baby names are extremely uncommon in the US, so if you’re hunting for a unique name for your child, this is an ideal place to look. Here are some prime Finnish baby name examples, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.
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- Lumi
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"snow"Description:
Lumi may be a rare girls' name in the USA and England, but it comes in the Top 50 in Finland, where it means snow. Given the popularity of Winter, Holly, Ivy and many other wintery-christmassy names, we think that short and spunky Lumi definitely has potential for greater usage outside its home country as one of the more unusual names for Christmas babies.
- 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.
- Sanna
Origin:
Swedish, Finnish, InuktitutMeaning:
"lily"Description:
If you're ready to move beyond Anna and Hannah, consider this traditional Scandinavian short form of Susanna, historically very popular in its native lands.
- Manu
Origin:
Finnish, Maori, Hawaiian, SanskritMeaning:
"greatest; bird; wise"Description:
An international name that, although short and simple, sounds strong and distinctive.
- 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.
- Minna
Origin:
Diminutive of Wilhelmina, GermanMeaning:
"resolute protection; love"Description:
One of those pan-European nickname names much more familiar in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe than in the US, though related name Mina is making a comeback here. Light and bright, it could be an alternative to Mila, Minnie, or Millie.
- Anja
Origin:
Scandinavian; Finnish; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from RussianMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika.
- 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.
- 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.
- Armas
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
Armas is an antiquated Finnish word with a loving meaning and a straightforward spelling and pronunciation. A rare name with potential.
- Teemu
Origin:
Variation of Tiemu, FinnishMeaning:
"victory of the people"Description:
Teemu ultimately derives from the Greek name Nicodemus via the Icelandic Demus and Finnish Tiemus.
- 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.
- 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.
- Kirsi
Origin:
Hindi, Finnish diminutive of Kirstina and KirstenMeaning:
"amaranth blossoms; Christian, frost"Description:
This attractive multicultural name is found in India and Finland, where it is also a word meaning "frost."
- Ulla
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"will, determination"Description:
Ulla, the beautiful Swedish secretary in The Producers (played by Uma Thurman in the movie) who purrs, "Ven you got it, flaunt it," has changed the image of this name forever. Ulla may stand on its own or be an abbreviation of Ursula or Ulrika; Ula may be seen as another spelling.
- Aili
Origin:
Finnish and Sami variation of Helga, diminutive of Aileen, Anglicization of EilidhMeaning:
"holy, blessed; bright and shining light"Description:
An attractive Scandinavian take on Helga, or a potential Helen nickname.
- Jaska
Origin:
Diminutive of Jaakko, FinnishMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
A nickname for Jaakko, the Finnish form of Jacob.
- Ailana
Origin:
KazakhMeaning:
"moonlight"Description:
A pretty Kazakh name derived from Turkish ayla, meaning "moonlight". The Hawaiian name 'Ailana (with the 'okina mark) means "loving".
- Kaija
Description:
Kaija is a feminine Finnish name with Scandinavian roots, derived from the name Katja, which itself is a variant of Katherine. Its ultimate origin traces back to the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly meaning 'pure.' In Finnish culture, Kaija has been used since the early 20th century and maintains a classic yet distinctive quality. The name is characterized by its melodic pronunciation (KAI-ya) and distinctive northern European heritage. While common in Finland, Kaija remains relatively rare internationally, giving it an exotic appeal outside Scandinavia. For parents seeking a name with Nordic roots that's both unusual and accessible, Kaija offers a perfect blend of uniqueness and ease of pronunciation. The name conveys a sense of clarity and natural beauty associated with Finnish culture.
- Auri
Origin:
FinnishDescription:
An airy variant of the Finnish name Aura, which derives either from the Greek "aura" (breath; breeze) or from Old Norse "aurr" (earth; clay). It is also sometimes encountered as a short form of Aurora or Aurelia.