Popular in Finland
- Oona
Origin:
Irish, variation of UnaMeaning:
"lamb"Description:
Oona is a name made famous by Eugene O'Neill's daughter, who became Charlie Chaplin's wife. One of the original Oona's granddaughters was named after her, and is now an actress famous in her own right for playing Talisa of Volantis in HBO's "Game of Thrones." The double-o beginning gives their name a lot of oomph.
- Linnea
Origin:
SwedishMeaning:
"twinflower, lime tree"Description:
Linnea is an attractive Scandinavian name that derives from the renowned 18th century Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who developed the Linnean system of classifying plants and animals.
- 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.
- Bea
Origin:
English diminutive of Beatrice, LatinMeaning:
"she who brings happiness"Description:
Bea is a former old lady name that's cute again as a short form — and is now beginning to stand on its own. Bee is a variation that, like Bea, can work as a diminutive for any name that starts with the letter B, or in the middle. Bea actually stood alone on the popularity lists for four years at the beginning of the twentieth century — and it could happen again.
- Nella
Description:
Nella is a feminine name with Italian and Germanic origins. It can be a standalone name or a diminutive of names like Petronella, Antonella, or Cornelia. In Italian, it literally means 'at the' or 'in the,' while as a short form, it often inherits meanings from its longer versions. Nella has historical usage dating back centuries but has experienced periods of renewed popularity in recent decades. The name has a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking something classic yet not overused. With its brief two syllables and melodic sound, Nella strikes a balance between simplicity and distinctiveness. The name carries connotations of sweetness and strength, making it versatile for different personalities.
- Hilda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"battle woman"Description:
Short for Brunhilda, the operatic Valkyrie of Teutonic legend, Hilda still has not quite shaken off that image that image. Though with the resurgence of Matilda, she might just have a bit of a comeback.
- Mette
Origin:
Norse, variation of MargaretMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
This is a Scandinavian variant of Margaret, and is pronounced MEH-teh or MET, rhyming with jet.
- Alvar
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"elf warrior"Description:
This name woould be hard to picture in a contemporary kindergarten, though it does have some cultural cred via Finnish architect and furniture designer Alvar Aalto. Aalto would actually make a more interesting choice.
- Lenni
Description:
Lenni is a charming masculine name with Finnish and Scandinavian origins. In Finland, it's derived from Leonard or Johannes, while in Sami culture (indigenous people of northern Scandinavia), it has independent roots. The name has a gentle, warm quality with its soft consonants and ending vowel sound. Lenni has gained modest popularity in Nordic countries and is gradually being discovered internationally. Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce across cultures while still feeling distinctive. The name carries associations with nature and northern European heritage. In recent years, Lenni has seen increased usage as parents seek short, friendly-sounding names with international appeal.
- Seela
Origin:
Finnish variation of Sela, HebrewMeaning:
"rock"Description:
An intuitive and attractive Finnish choice.
- Eino
Description:
Eino is a masculine Finnish name derived from Germanic elements, ultimately a Finnish form of names containing 'ain' meaning 'one' or 'alone.' Popular in Finland and among Finnish-American communities, Eino carries cultural significance as a traditional Nordic name. It rose to prominence in Finland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, influenced by Finnish nationalist movements. The name is characterized by its distinctive sound and straightforward pronunciation (AY-no). While uncommon outside Finnish communities, Eino represents Finnish cultural heritage and has maintained steady usage in Finland. The name may appeal to parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with Scandinavian roots and a strong cultural identity.
- 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.
- Onni
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"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.
- Minea
Origin:
Finnish feminization of Minos, GreekMeaning:
"king"Description:
The Finnish writer Mika Waltari invented the name Minea from the Greek Minos for a character in his 1945 novel The Egyptian. It's become a popular Finnish name in the 21st century.
- Eeli
Description:
Eeli is a Finnish male name that serves as a variant of the Hebrew name Eli, meaning "height" or "elevation." In Finnish culture, Eeli has maintained consistent popularity as a traditional yet distinctive choice for boys. The name carries a gentle strength with its simple two-syllable structure and melodic quality. In recent years, Eeli has seen increased usage in Finland, reflecting a growing preference for names that honor cultural heritage while offering a modern feel. The name's brevity and easy pronunciation make it appealing across linguistic boundaries, though it remains most common in Finnish-speaking regions.
- 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.
- Urho
Description:
Urho is a masculine Finnish name meaning 'hero' or 'brave one,' derived from the Finnish word 'urheus' (bravery). The name carries significant cultural weight in Finland, particularly through its association with Urho Kekkonen, Finland's longest-serving president (1956-1982). March 19th is celebrated as Urho's Day in Finland, coinciding with St. Urho's Day, a Finnish-American celebration. The saint, though fictional, is said to have driven grasshoppers from Finland, saving the grape crop. Outside Finland and Finnish diaspora communities, the name remains uncommon but distinctive. With its strong meaning and straightforward pronunciation, Urho offers a powerful yet accessible option for parents drawn to Finnish heritage or simply seeking a name that embodies courage.
- 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.
- Vilho
Description:
Vilho is a Finnish masculine name derived from the Germanic name Wilhelm (William), ultimately meaning 'resolute protection' or 'determined guardian.' Popular in Finland and other Nordic countries, Vilho carries cultural significance for Finnish families. One notable bearer was Vilho Petter Nenonen, a Finnish general and artillery specialist. The name combines traditional roots with a distinctive sound that's pronounceable in many languages. Vilho peaked in popularity in Finland during the early 20th century and has experienced some revival as parents rediscover traditional Nordic names. Outside Scandinavia, the name remains uncommon but could appeal to families with Finnish heritage or those seeking a unique name with authentic cultural roots and relatively straightforward pronunciation.
- Toivo
Origin:
Finnish, EstonianMeaning:
"hope"Description:
This name was on the U.S. Top 1000 in the early 20th century, when recent immigrants frequently chose native names that have since died out for American babies. But if you're of Finnish or Estonian ancestry, you may want to consider reviving this one with a positive meaning.