Finnish girl names
- Aava
Description:
Aava is a feminine name of Finnish origin, meaning 'open water' or 'wide and open space.' It draws connections to nature, particularly bodies of water that remain unfrozen during winter. The name has gained popularity in Finland and other Nordic countries for its simplicity, natural meaning, and melodic sound. In recent years, Aava has begun to spread internationally as parents seek out distinctive yet pronounceable names with meaningful connections to the natural world. The name's short length and flowing vowel sounds make it both elegant and contemporary, appealing to modern naming trends that favor brief, vowel-rich names for girls.
- Aila
Origin:
Finnish variation of Helga or Scottish GaelicMeaning:
"from the strong place"Description:
Now that Isla Fisher has pushed her once-obscure name into the Top 150, some parents are looking for similar-sounding Scottish names for girls that are further off the beaten path. This one is especially promising, with its cross-cultural appeal. Ayla, a common name in Turkey, is also worth considering.
- Aino
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"the only one"Description:
What a lovely name for the much-longed for daughter - no wonder Aino is in the Top 5 in Finland, whence the name originates. Like other popular Finnish names, Aino is short and avoids the ubiquitous "a" ending we usually see in feminine names, which gives it a fresh feel and sound.
- Amalia
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"work"Description:
Amalia is a widely cross-cultural name, heard from Italy to Romania, Germany to Scandinavia. The current heir to the Dutch throne is Princess Catharina-Amalia of Orange. It can be pronounced ah-MAH-lee-a or ah-mah-LEE-a.
- Annika
Origin:
Swedish diminutive of AnnaMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Annika is a surprise hit of recent years, inspired by golfer Sorenstam; for Trekkies, it was also the name of a 'Star Trek:Voyager' character. Some people's first memory of it might be as Pippi Longstocking's friend. A nice namesake for an ancestral Ann.
- Ansa
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"trap"Description:
An attractive and easily translatable Finnish name.
- Aune
- Dagmar
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"Day maiden"Description:
This royal Danish name has long been used across Scandinavia, Germany and Slavic countries and somewhat in the US around the turn of the last century --it was #622 in 1888. There were two notable silent screen stars named Dagmar, one with Polish, the other with Danish roots.
- Eevi
Description:
Eevi is a charming Finnish feminine name that serves as a variant of Eva or Eve. With roots connecting to the Hebrew name Chava meaning 'life' or 'living one,' Eevi carries this profound significance in a distinctively Nordic form. Popular in Finland and gaining recognition in other Scandinavian countries, this short, melodic name balances simplicity with uniqueness. The double 'e' creates a modern feel while maintaining traditional roots. Eevi has seen increased international interest as parents seek out brief yet distinctive names with cross-cultural appeal and an airy, gentle sound quality.
- Else
Description:
Else is a feminine name with Germanic origins, functioning as both a standalone name and a short form of names containing the element 'Elis' such as Elisabeth or Elise. In German and Scandinavian cultures, Else has been used independently for centuries. The name carries a simple, clean elegance with its compact four-letter formation. In Danish and Norwegian, it's pronounced 'EL-seh,' while German speakers may say 'EL-zuh.' Despite its European popularity, Else remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but became less common after the 1940s. Today, it may appeal to parents seeking a minimalist yet classic name with European flair.
- Frida
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"peace"Description:
The dynamic personality and paintings of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo have inspired growing numbers of parents to resurrect this form of the name. It does much better in certain European countries, especially in Denmark and Norway. The Frieda and Freida spellings were more popular in the US until the middle of the 20th century.
- Gretel
Origin:
Diminutive of Margarete, GermanMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
Gretel originated as a nickname for Margarete, the German form of Margaret. It’s a charming name, but most American parents prefer Greta, as Gretel is strongly tied to the fairy tale heroine.
- Hedda
Origin:
Scandinavian, diminutive of HedvigDescription:
Hedda is a card-carrying member of the league of older, slightly bohemian urban names like Nedda, Andra, and Petra; also linked to Ibsen heroine Hedda Gabler, as well as being the basis of cruel joke names like Hedda Hare.
- Helli
Description:
Helli is a rare feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a Finnish diminutive of Helena, which derives from Greek meaning 'bright' or 'shining one.' Alternatively, it could be related to the German name Hella, a shortened form of names containing the Germanic element 'heil' meaning 'healthy' or 'whole.' In some cultures, it might be connected to the Norse mythology name Hel. Helli has remained uncommon in most English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. Its brevity and melodic sound make it appealing to parents seeking a simple yet uncommon name for their daughters. The name carries a bright, cheerful feeling with its soft consonants and ending vowel sound.
- Hertta
Description:
Hertta is a feminine Finnish name with traditional Nordic roots. In Finnish, 'hertta' means 'heart' or 'hearts' (particularly referring to the playing card suit), giving the name a warm, affectionate quality. This name has been used in Finland for generations, though it's most commonly associated with women born in the early to mid-20th century. Outside of Finland and other Nordic countries, Hertta remains quite rare, giving it an exotic quality for international users. The name has a distinctively Finnish character with its double 't' consonant pattern. Hertta combines a sense of traditional heritage with a subtle reference to love and affection, making it appealing to those with Finnish ancestry or those seeking a unique name with a clear, positive meaning.
- Ilta
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"evening"Description:
This sweet and straightforward Finnish name could be an ideal choice for a daughter born at night.
- Inari
Origin:
Finnish place name; JapaneseMeaning:
"loaded with rice"Description:
A unisex cultural crossover that has seen a little use from the 1990s onwards. In Japanese mythology, Inari is an androgynous deity associated with rice, tea and foxes. In Finland, it is the name of a region, lake and village which is a center of Sami culture.
- Inka
Description:
Inka is a feminine name with rich multicultural origins. Most prominently, it references the Inca civilization of South America, lending the name historical and cultural significance. In Finnish and other Baltic languages, Inka serves as a diminutive form of names containing 'Ing' such as Ingrid or Inge. The name's brevity and strong 'k' sound create a distinctive, memorable quality. Inka combines simplicity with exotic appeal, making it approachable yet uncommon in most Western naming traditions. The name carries an adventurous spirit while remaining easy to pronounce across different languages. Though relatively rare internationally, Inka may appeal to parents seeking a short, distinctive name with historical resonance and cross-cultural versatility.
- Jenni
Description:
Jenni is a feminine given name primarily used as a diminutive form of Jennifer. Jennifer originates from the Cornish name Guinevere, meaning 'white wave' or 'fair one.' Jenni offers a friendlier, more casual alternative to Jennifer while maintaining its elegant roots. The name gained significant popularity during the 1970s and 1980s when Jennifer ranked among the top girls' names in the United States. While simpler in form than its parent name, Jenni retains the approachable charm and melodic quality that made Jennifer so beloved. Though not as commonly given as a legal first name, Jenni serves as both a standalone name and a familiar nickname option for parents seeking something contemporary yet established.
- Josefiina