601 Finnish Baby Names Exuding Nordic Charm

Discover naming choices from the happiest country that can make you smile.

Written by N Pravenchandra Singh, MA Specialty: Literature and RelationshipsExperience: 2 years

Praven is an English literature expert. He did his bachelors in English from Delhi University and masters in English from Manipur University. Besides, he holds a certificate in multimedia design and content creation from NIELIT Imphal and presented papers at various national and international conferences.

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Edited by Vidya Tadapatri, MSc (Biotechnology) Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 5 years

Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology.

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Fact-checked by Trisha Chakraborty, MA, BEd Specialty: Child development & educationExperience: 5 years

Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Finnish baby names are versatile and popular across the globe. Choosing a Finnish name for your little prince or princess can give them an edge and make them stand out from others. But if you are still undecided on the baby’s name or confused about whether you should pick a traditional Finnish name or a trendy one. We can help you decide. Finland, the 8th largest country, yet the least populated country in the world, boasts of some of the most gorgeous baby names. Although most of the common and popular Finnish baby names are Scandinavian, they sound a lot quirkier than Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish names. Finnish names are often inspired by Biblical characters, names of saints, or ancient Swedish names (1). In Finland, a baby can be given up to three baby names, by the time he is two months old. Finnish parents followed a naming tradition up until 1900. The first son is named after the paternal grandfather, while the first daughter is named after the maternal grandmother. The second son inherits the maternal grandfather’s name and the second daughter inherits the maternal grandmother’s name. The fourth son is named after the father and vice versa (1). Besides, there are some other rules and regulations levied by the government. These rules include that parents cannot pick a name that’s inappropriate or can cause a disadvantage to the child in the future. The government also restricts the use of surnames to not more than one, though hyphenated surnames could be used after marriage. Also, interchangeable or unisex names are not allowed in Finland. Neither are names that are different in spelling and hurt the Finnish naming practices, allowed except under unavoidable circumstances. Children are expected to take the last name of one of the parents, but they can assume a different surname, by filing a name change application. From the homeland of Santa Claus and Nokia, we bring you a list of Finnish baby names with meanings.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Isabella	Girl	God is my oath
Sebastian	Boy	From Sebaste; Venerable; Exalted
Emilia	Girl	Rival; Laborious; Eager
Aaron	Boy	Exalted; High mountain
Iris	Girl	Rainbow; Bringer of Joy; Irish flower; Colored part of the eye
August	Boy	Respected; Esteemed; Venerable; Exalted
Jesse	Boy	God exists; Gift
Joel	Boy	Yahweh is god
Elise	Girl	God is my oath
Niko	Boy	Victory of the people

Nina	Girl	Fire; Fish; Ancient city of Nineveh; Little girl; God is gracious; Strong
Laura	Girl	Laurel; Bay laurel plant
Heidi	Girl	Noble birth; Nobility
Ari	Boy	Lion; Eagle; Brave; Most holy; Sun-like; Visible; Generous; Chief; Superior
Elisa	Girl	My God is an oath; My God is fullness
Hugo	Boy	Mind; Spirit; Thought
Sylvia	Girl	A lady of the woods or forest
Eve	Girl	To live; To breathe
Helena	Girl	Torch; Shining light
Hanna	Girl	Favor; Grace; God has favored me

Rosa	Girl	Rose; Dew
Irene	Girl	Peace
Monica	Girl	Advisor; Truth; Single; One; Counsel
Johanna	Girl	God is gracious
Aila	Girl	Noble; Holy; Blessed; Halo; Moonlight; Terebinth tree
Lea	Girl	Delicate; Weary
Mikaela	Girl	Who is like God
Eliel	Boy	My God is God
Kristian	Boy	Christian; Follower of the Christ; Anointed
Jeremias	Boy	Yahweh will exalt

Elina	Girl	Bright light
Tatiana	Girl	Fairy queen
Aura	Girl	Breeze; Soft wind; Golden
Mikael	Boy	Who is like God
Ida	Girl	Hardworking; Industrious person; Battle
Leena	Girl	Torch; Of Magdala; Tender; Sunlight
Kaius	Boy	To rejoice
Markus	Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male
Viola	Unisex	Violet; A flowering plant
Justus	Boy	Fair; Just; Upright

Henri	Boy	Home ruler
Viktor	Boy	Victor; Conqueror
Adalina	Girl	Noble; Honorable; Gentle; Soft
Petra	Girl	Rock; Stone
Susanna	Girl	Lily; Rose; Lotus
Oskar	Boy	God's spear; Deer's friend
Ester	Girl	Star; Evening star
Karl	Boy	Freeman; Manly; Army; Warrior
Mika	Girl	Beautiful fragrance; Who is like God?
Toni	Unisex	Beautiful; Priceless; Praiseworthy; Flower

Linnea	Girl	Twinflower
Asiya	Girl	Resurrection; Distressed; Grieved; Pensive; East
Rami	Boy	Shooter; To be ambitious; Counsel; Protection; To come; Sheep; Night; Exalted; Mercy
Marko	Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male
Kasper	Boy	Treasurer; Holder of treasure
Klaus	Boy	Victory of the people
Mayla	Girl	Beloved; Love
Irina	Girl	Peace
Laine	Boy	Wave; Torch
Sade	Girl	Rain; Rule with nobility; Honor confers a crown

Ellia	Girl	Torch; Shining light; Other; My God is Yahweh
Henrietta	Girl	Ruler of an estate; Ruler of the home
Filip	Boy	Friend of horses
Oona	Girl	Lamb; Universal; Happy
Miko	Boy	Who is like God
Auri	Girl	Breeze
Alexi	Girl	Defender or helper of the people
Aleksandra	Girl	Defender of mankind
Mikko	Boy	Who is like God
Laina	Girl	Little rock; Handsome; Dark; Wave; Of Magdala; Path

Esa	Boy	Yahweh is salvation; God is my salvation
Elli	Girl	Old age; My God is an oath
Alanni	Unisex	Little rock; Handsome
Herman	Boy	Soldier; Army man
Irma	Girl	Universal; Whole; Great
Neva	Girl	White snow; Woman of the race; Swamp
Kim	Boy	Leader of the men; Leader of the warriors; Gold; Woodland clearing of the royal fortress
Lumi	Girl	Snow; Glow; Light; Gentle manner
Milla	Girl	Devoted; Young religious attendant
Olga	Girl	Holy; Blessed; Invioilable

Maila	Girl	Strength in battle
Krista	Girl	Christian; Follower of the Christ; Anointed
Leevi	Boy	One who is attached
Lilli	Girl	Lily; My god is an oath
Ramy	Boy	Archer; Shooter; Thrower; Counsel's protection; High father
Edvin	Boy	Rich friend
Aina	Girl	Always; The only one; Grace; Favor; Scene; Sight; Mirror; Difficult birth; Elegant love; Chaste
Neela	Girl	Horn; Dark blue
Ilona	Unisex	Light; Torch; Moon; Joy
Noora	Girl	Honor; Esteem; Dignity; Light

Ursula	Girl	Little bear; Courageous
Taina	Girl	Fairy queen; Secret; Mystery
Tomi	Unisex	Twin; Wealth; Abundance; Capital; Beautiful
Elida	Girl	Fast sailing ship; Nobility
Minka	Girl	A strong person; Strong-willed; Will helmet; Desire to protect; Power; Strength
Alli	Girl	A type of duck; Noble; Elevated
Aili	Girl	Holy; Blessed
Konstantin	Boy	Constant; Steadfast; Firm
Eilah	Girl	Terebinth tree; Oak; Blessed; Holy
Eero	Boy	Eternal ruler

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Finland is impressive for being the eighth largest country in the world with the least population, yet it still holds a rich collection of Finnish baby names. Whether you go for a modern Finnish name or a traditional one, your child will still boast one of the most unique names that will make them pop out from the common choices. Finnish names are also historical because they are inspired by Biblical characters or based on Saints. While choosing a baby name, do keep in mind the certain rules and regulations of the Finnish government.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How has the naming trend changed over the years in Finland?

In recent years, the popularity of names in Finland has shown limited variation, with traditional names remaining popular choices. These favored names are short, consisting of two syllables, and are characterized by soft pronunciation. Additionally, traditional Finnish names are resurgent, showcasing a renewed interest in preserving cultural and familial heritage (2).

2. What are some Finnish baby names connected to Finnish music or sports?

Some Finnish baby names connected to Finnish music or sports include Aino, associated with the Finnish soprano Aino Ackté, and Kimi, related to Finnish Formula One driver Kimi Räikkönen.

3. What are some nature-inspired Finnish names?

Some nature-inspired Finnish names may include Aamu, meaning morning, Kielo meaning lily of the valley, and Vesa meaning sapling or young tree.

4. What is the Finnish name for God?

The Finnish name for God is Jumala, for the Christian God and other religious deities. Additionally, Paiva means God of the sun, and Assi and Atto represent Goddess.

5. What Finnish name means luck?

The Finnish boy’s name Onni means luck or fortune, while the girl’s name Sulamit signifies a woman with fortune or great luck.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Finland Personal Names.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Finland_Personal_Names
Olivia and Leo are still the most popular children’s names in Finland – the majority of names are notified to the Population Information System through the new digital service;
https://dvv.fi/en/-/olivia-and-leo-are-still-the-most-popular-childrens-names-in-finland-the-majority-of-names-are-notified-to-the-population-information-system-through-the-new-digital-service

Infographic: Famous Finnish Baby Names Exuding Nordic Charm

A child's name carries deep personal, cultural, and familial significance. It represents the bearer's cultural and linguistic background while offering insight into their attributes. If you wish to navigate the world of names, this infographic showcases some of the most renowned Finnish Baby Names Exuding Nordic Charm. This can help you select a name that best aligns with your family's preferences and religious beliefs.

Finnish Baby Names Exuding Nordic Charm(infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.