Awesome Finnish Names
- Alina
Origin:
Slavic, Germanic, Arabic, ScottishMeaning:
"bright, beautiful; noble; delicate, soft; defending men"Description:
Alina has been drifting up the US popularity charts since the early 1980s, and now sits in in the Top 200. But Alina's real strength is in its international flexibility: The name ranks highly in a wide range of European, English speaking, and Latin American countries.
- Alli
Description:
Alli is a versatile name that functions across genders, though it's presented here as feminine. It has multiple origins: it can be a diminutive of Allison, Alice, or Alexandra for girls, giving it English and Greek connections. In Finnish and Icelandic contexts, it stands as an independent name, with meanings relating to 'noble' or 'complete.' The name's simplicity and friendly sound have contributed to its periodic popularity as both a given name and nickname. In some Native American traditions, variants of the name may connect to words meaning 'graceful.' Alli has maintained modest usage throughout the decades, appreciated for its unpretentious charm and adaptability across cultures and age groups.
- 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.
- Amanda
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"she must be loved"Description:
Amanda may no longer be the most popular girls' name in her class, but it still holds appeal with its pleasing meaning and solid yet romantic sound. Its heyday however was back in the eighties when it skyrocketed alongside Samantha, Vanessa, Melissa, and co.
- Anja
Origin:
Scandinavian; Finnish; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from RussianMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika.
- Anna
Origin:
Variation of Hannah, HebrewMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Anna has become the dominant form of the Ann family, offering a touch of the international to English speakers and a bit more style than the oversimplified Ann or Anne.
- Anneli
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of Annalie or HannahMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Anneli is one of the hundreds of Anne variations with an intriguing spelling. This name has been popular throughout Scandinavia over time and would certainly translate easily to English-speaking countries.
- 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.
- Aurora
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"dawn"Description:
The goddess name Aurora has consistently been on the US popularity list since the nineteenth century, but has really taken off in the past 30 years. Aurora also enjoys remarkable international popularity, ranking in the Top 100 throughout the English-speaking world as well as in Italy, Spain, Norway, Switzerland, and several other European and Latin American countries.
- Aina
- Aleksi
- Aliisa
- Anna-Liisa
- Ansa
- Arja
- Brigitta
Description:
Brigitta is a feminine name with rich historical roots, derived from the ancient Celtic name Brighid, meaning 'exalted one' or 'high goddess.' It's the Central European form of Bridget, particularly popular in Hungarian, German, and Scandinavian cultures. The name is associated with Saint Brigid of Kildare, one of Ireland's patron saints known for her generosity and compassion. Brigitta gained international recognition through characters in literature and film, including Maria's friend in 'The Sound of Music.' While maintaining its classic origins, Brigitta offers a more distinctive alternative to the more common Bridget or Brigitte, combining ancient Celtic heritage with continental European elegance.
- Brita
Description:
Brita is a feminine name with Scandinavian and German origins. It developed as a variant of Bridget (or Brigid), which ultimately derives from the Celtic name meaning 'strength' or 'exalted one.' Particularly popular in Sweden, Norway, and Germany, Brita has a clean, crisp sound that resonates well in Nordic countries. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, it offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar names like Britta or Brigitte. The name carries connotations of strength and resilience, influenced by its etymological roots. In some regions, it may also be associated with the water filter brand, though this commercial connection is separate from its traditional heritage.
- Camilla
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"young ceremonial attendant"Description:
The Spanish Camila, pronounced ka-MEE-la, is the fastest rising version of this ancient Roman name, but recent royal Camilla may have helped promote the British brand. In Roman myth, Camilla was a swift-footed huntress so fast she could run over a field without bending a blade of grass.
- Cecilia
Origin:
Feminine form of Cecil, LatinMeaning:
"blind"Description:
Cecilia is a lovely classic name deservedly enjoying a new turn in the sun. Always among the Top 500 girls' names in the US, Cecilia is now at its highest point ever.
- Dorotea
Description:
Dorotea is a feminine name of Greek origin, representing the Spanish, Italian, and Eastern European form of Dorothy. It derives from the Greek elements 'doron' meaning 'gift' and 'theos' meaning 'God,' thus translating to 'gift of God.' This beautiful name has been used since early Christian times, with Saint Dorothea of Caesarea being a 4th-century martyr. While Dorothy became enormously popular in English-speaking countries, particularly in the early 20th century, Dorotea maintained a more consistent, moderate usage in Southern and Eastern European countries. The name carries an elegant, classical quality with its flowing four syllables and offers a more distinctive alternative to the more familiar Dorothy, while still allowing for the cute nickname Dora.