Finnish Baby Names

Finnish Baby Names

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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Finnish Baby Names for Girls

Finnish Baby Names for Boys

  1. Lumi
    • Origin:

      Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Rasmus
    • Origin:

      Finnish and Scandinavian variation of Erasmus
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Arttu
    • Origin:

      Finnish, from Celtic
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Eero
    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Eric
    • Meaning:

      "eternal ruler"
    • Description:

      Creative gem perfect for an architect's son, in tribute to modern Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.
  5. 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.
  6. Manu
    • Origin:

      Finnish, Maori, Hawaiian, Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "greatest; bird; wise"
    • Description:

      An international name that, although short and simple, sounds strong and distinctive.

  7. Saija
    • Origin:

      Finnish diminutive of Sarah
    • Meaning:

      "princess"
    • Description:

      This pretty Finnish name is a diminutive of a diminutive, going from Sarah to Sari to Saija.
  8. Anja
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian; Finnish; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from Russian
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika.
  9. Venla
    • Origin:

      Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "to travel, to proceed"
    • Description:

      This elegant Finnish feminization of Wendell is one of those rare names that has never appeared on the US official charts, but is straightforward to spell and say. It has been among the most popular girl names in Finland for at least 15 years, and would be a lovely, unique way to honor Finnish culture.
  10. Minna
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Wilhelmina, German
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. Aki
    • Origin:

      Japanese; Finnish
    • 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.
  12. Onni
    • Origin:

      Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. Lotta
    • Origin:

      Short form of Charlotta or Carlotta
    • Description:

      This nickname-name is very popular in Germany, though Lottie is still the preferred version in the US. The problem, of course, is that you'll have to put up with a lotta jokes. See?
  14. Anneli
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Annalie or Hannah
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Anneli is one of the hundreds of Anne variations with an intriguing spelling. This name has been popular throughout Scandinavia over time and would certainly translate easily to English-speaking countries.
  15. Tuuli
    • Origin:

      Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "wind"
    • Description:

      A sweet and intuitive Finnish word name. The double U's up the quirkiness, for English speakers at least. Also used in Estonia, notable bearers include actress Tuuli Narkle, cartoonist Tuuli Hypén, singer Tuuli Rand, and footballer Tuuli Tasa.
  16. Armas
    • Origin:

      Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "beloved"
    • Description:

      Armas is an antiquated Finnish word with a loving meaning and a straightforward spelling and pronunciation. A rare name with potential.
  17. Nea
    • Description:

      Nea is a concise feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Finnish, it means 'the one who is irritated,' while in ancient Greek contexts, it relates to concepts of youth or newness, meaning 'new' or 'young.' The name also appears in Swahili where it means 'to speak,' and has connections to Greek mythology as one of Zeus's lovers. Nea's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its ancient roots, making it appealing to contemporary parents seeking short, distinctive names. While never widely common in English-speaking countries, Nea has maintained steady usage in Nordic countries, particularly Finland. Its simplicity, cross-cultural presence, and easy pronunciation contribute to its subtle charm.
  18. Auri
    • Origin:

      Finnish
    • Description:

      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.
  19. Via
    • Origin:

      Nickname name
    • Description:

      Could be a short form of Sylvia, Olivia, or any other similar name. Or a vivid Italian word name.
  20. Timo
    • Origin:

      Norwegian, Finnish, German, and Dutch variation of Timothy
    • Meaning:

      "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.