Finnish Baby Names
- Miska
Origin:
Finnish diminutive of MikaelMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
Along with Mika, a nickname for Mikael.
- Senja
Origin:
Finnish variation of Xenia, GreekMeaning:
"hospitable, welcoming"Description:
Senja is the Finnish form of Xenia as well as the Indonesian word for "dusk."
- 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.
- Helmi
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
A punchy alternative to Pearl as it gains popularity, it may also be used as a short form of Vilhelmina or Wilhelmina.
- 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.
- 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.
- Eeva
Description:
Eeva is a feminine name that is the Finnish and Estonian form of Eve. The name traces back to the Hebrew "Chavah" meaning "living one" or "source of life," and is associated with the first woman in Judeo-Christian tradition. This Nordic spelling variation maintains the classic name's essence while giving it a distinctive character with the double 'e.' In Finland, Eeva has been consistently popular and carries cultural significance. The name is short, clear, and internationally recognizable despite its specific cultural spelling. Eeva has a gentle, flowing quality when spoken, with its soft vowel sounds. For parents outside Nordic countries, choosing Eeva represents an appreciation for Finnish culture while selecting a name that remains fundamentally familiar but refreshingly uncommon in other regions.
- Tuuli
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"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.
- Eilo
Origin:
Finnish variation of Eila, NorwegianMeaning:
"bright, shining light"Description:
Eilo is one of the few masculine names to derive from a feminine one. It comes from Eila, the Norwegian variation of Elina.
- Elvi
Origin:
Diminutive of Elviira, Finnish from SpanishMeaning:
"white; fair"Description:
Elvi is one of those elusive names that fit in yet stand out. It's similar to currently trendy girl names such as Ellie and Evie but maintains distinction.
- Liekki
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"flame"Description:
A rare Finnish word name with a fiery meaning.
- Jaska
Origin:
Diminutive of Jaakko, FinnishMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
A nickname for Jaakko, the Finnish form of Jacob.
- 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.
- 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.
- Keijo
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"elf; fairy"Description:
Finnish name with a magical meaning.
- Minttu
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"mint"Description:
The Finnish word for "mint" is a popular name in Finland, comparable to the Danish Mynte.
- Venla
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"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.
- Hanni
Origin:
Finnish diminutive of Hanna and JohannaMeaning:
"grace; God is gracious"Description:
A cute and easily accessible Finnish nickname, although not one that is likely to become popular in America now that Hannah and co are on the decline.
- Osmo
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"young man"Description:
Cosmo's Finnish cousin.
- Maija
Origin:
Finnish and Latvian variation of MariaDescription:
A lovely and typical name on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Bothnia that no one in the English-speaking world will know how to pronounce. Maia sounds (virtually) the same and is far more familiar outside Finland and Latvia.