Popular in Finland
- 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.
- 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.
- Bea
Origin:
Diminutive of BeatriceMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Enni
Description:
Enni is a concise, feminine name with Finnish origins, though it appears in various cultures with different etymologies. In Finland, it often functions as a diminutive of names containing the element "en" or may stand independently. The name has gained moderate popularity in Finland during recent decades. In Japanese, written with different characters, Enni can have meanings related to blessing, connection, or circle. The name's brevity and pleasant sound make it accessible across language barriers. With just two syllables and an appealing flow, Enni has a contemporary feel while maintaining a certain softness appropriate for a feminine name. Its international versatility and modern simplicity appeal to parents seeking a name that is both distinctive and easy to pronounce.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hilla
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"cloudberry"Description:
Hilla is a rising girl name in Finland, where it is seen as both an independent name and a short form of names beginning with Hil-.
- Hilma
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"protective helmet"Description:
Hilma is heard in Germany and the Scandinavian countries, and sometimes used as a shortening of Wilhelmina--though there are more appealing German names for girls. to be found. Hilma Wolitzer is an American novelist and the mother of author Meg Wolitzer.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Oiva
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"splendid"Description:
Finnish name with a jolly meaning.
- Olavi
Origin:
Finnish and Estonian variation of OlafMeaning:
"ancestor's relic"Description:
A variation of Olaf that made the Finnish Top 50 in 2022.
- 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.
- 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.