Finnish Baby Names

With a hint of myth and ancient poetry about it, this spirited name ultimately comes from the Germanic Heilwig or Helwig, but feels as if it could fit into a modern setting. Pronounced HIL-leh-vee in Swedish and HEEL-leh-vee in Finnish, it could get you to nicknames Evi, Vivi, Levi, or perhaps even Liv. Borne by soprano singer Hillevi Martinpelto, it might be considered old-fashioned in its native countries, but could seem fresh elsewhere due to its rarity.

Jaana is a feminine name primarily used in Finland, where it's a variation of Jana or Johanna, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious.' In Finland, Jaana gained significant popularity during the mid-20th century and continues to be recognized as distinctly Finnish. The double 'a' spelling reflects Finnish orthography and creates a melodic, flowing pronunciation. The name has a gentle, feminine quality with its soft sounds. Outside of Finland and other Nordic countries, Jaana remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic appeal while still being fairly easy to pronounce for English speakers. Its international character connects Finnish heritage with its deeper Hebrew roots.

For an American girl, the double "I" might be a problem as a child, but an attention-getting talking point as an adult.

A quirky international translation of Benedict.

Jussi is a Finnish male name that functions as a familiar form of Johannes, the Finnish variant of John. With roots in Hebrew, the original name Yochanan means 'God is gracious.' Jussi has been particularly popular in Finland, where it maintains cultural significance and is recognized as distinctly Finnish. The name gained broader recognition through famous Finnish tenor Jussi Björling (1911-1960), whose international opera career brought the name to wider attention. Though common in Finland, Jussi remains relatively uncommon outside Nordic countries. The name has a warm, approachable quality with its soft consonants and ending vowel. Despite limited international use, it represents Finnish naming traditions while being relatively easy for non-Finnish speakers to pronounce.

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.

Cooler than Ernest and less Muppet-like than Ernie, the Finnish Erno may be the best way to honor someone with an Ern- name.

Euli is a nickname for Eulaalia, the Finnish variation of the Greek name Eulalia.

A gentle yet spirited Finnish form of Biblical Abel, Aapeli is borne by basketball player Aapeli Alanen and was the pen name of writer Simo Puupponen.

An attractive name that's uncommon even in its native Finland. Onneli ja Anneli is a Finnish children's movie translated to English as Jill and Joy, although the names are unrelated.

As a masculine name, Gauri is Finnish in origin and derives from Gabriel.

A soft form of Keziah used in Nordic countries, predominantly Norway.

While its Yiddish use has died out, Sirke is seen today in Nordic countries, most commonly Finland. Sirke is a form of Sirkka, but it may also be related to the Finnish word sirkeä, meaning "lively."

Heddi ultimately derives from Hedvig, which may not appeal to many American parents as a full form.

An intriguing Finnish choice that is entirely unknown in the US.

Variation of Gertrude.

A nickname for two Finnish names: Taisto and Istrael, the Finnish form of Israel.

Saara is a feminine name representing the Finnish and Estonian form of Sarah, which has Hebrew origins meaning "princess" or "noblewoman." This variation maintains the meaning of the original while adapting to Finno-Ugric phonetic patterns. Common in Finland, Estonia, and other Nordic countries, Saara has a crisp, clean sound with its double 'a' spelling that reflects typical Finnish orthography. While Sarah remains more widespread globally, Saara offers a distinctive cultural connection to Northern Europe. The name combines simplicity with elegance and carries the dignified meaning of its Hebrew root. Saara has maintained consistent usage in Finland, where traditional names often remain popular across generations.

The Finnish word for "victory" is a rare name even throughout the Nordic country, but with its on-trend V sound it could make a striking choice.

The Finnish form of Peter was most common in its culture of origin in the 1950s and '60s.