In This Article
Estonian baby names reflect the country’s rich heritage, nature-inspired beauty, and cultural traditions. Many names are rooted in Finno-Ugric, Nordic, and Baltic influences, making them distinctive and meaningful. Parents often choose Estonian baby names for their uniqueness, poetic sounds, and deep symbolism tied to history, folklore, and the natural world. Whether you’re looking for a strong boy’s name, a graceful girl’s name, or a family surname with cultural depth, Estonian names carry timeless charm.
Estonian Boy Names with Meanings
Estonian boy names often symbolize strength, wisdom, and nature, influenced by both local traditions and European history.
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Aavo – Meaning “spring” or “source.”
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Andres – Estonian form of Andrew, meaning “manly.”
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Arno – Meaning “eagle.”
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Erki – Meaning “eternal ruler.”
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Harri – Estonian form of Harry, meaning “home ruler.”
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Indrek – Popular name meaning “peaceful ruler.”
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Jaan – Estonian form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
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Kalju – Meaning “rock” or “cliff.”
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Lauri – Derived from laurel, symbolizing victory.
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Mait – Meaning “gift of God.”
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Mart – Estonian form of Martin, meaning “warrior of Mars.”
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Meelis – Meaning “beloved.”
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Peeter – Estonian form of Peter, meaning “rock.”
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Priit – Meaning “beloved” or “dear.”
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Rain – Meaning “pure” or “clean.”
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Rein – Meaning “counsel” or “advice.”
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Siim – Estonian form of Simon, meaning “listener.”
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Tarmo – Meaning “strength” or “vitality.”
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Toomas – Estonian form of Thomas, meaning “twin.”
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Uku – A mythological god of thunder.
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Uno – Meaning “one” or “unique.”
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Vaino – Meaning “field” or “meadow.”
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Viktor – Meaning “victor” or “conqueror.”
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Vootele – Meaning “strong” or “mighty.”
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Aksel – Meaning “father of peace.”
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Eero – Meaning “eternal ruler.”
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Imre – Meaning “strength.”
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Joosep – Estonian form of Joseph, meaning “God will increase.”
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Karl – Meaning “free man.”
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Kaarel – Variant of Karl, also meaning “free man.”
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Leho – Meaning “holy.”
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Madis – Estonian form of Matthew, meaning “gift of God.”
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Margus – Meaning “warlike.”
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Olev – Meaning “ancestor’s descendant.”
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Osvald – Meaning “God’s power.”
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Raul – Meaning “wise wolf.”
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Rasmus – Meaning “beloved.”
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Rene – Meaning “reborn.”
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Sander – Meaning “defender of men.”
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Taavi – Estonian form of David, meaning “beloved.”
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Urmas – Meaning “eternal fame.”
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Valter – Meaning “ruler of the army.”
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Veiko – Meaning “brother” or “kin.”
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Vello – Meaning “brother.”
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Villu – Diminutive of William, meaning “protector.”
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Aivar – Meaning “strength” or “vitality.”
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Heiki – Meaning “rule of the home.”
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Markus – Meaning “dedicated to Mars.”
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Roman – Meaning “from Rome.”
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Teet – Meaning “road” or “path.”
Estonian Girl Names with Meanings
Estonian girl names are admired for their graceful sound and symbolic ties to nature, faith, and folklore.
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Aili – Meaning “light” or “holy.”
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Anneli – Meaning “grace” or “favor.”
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Anu – Meaning “favor” or “grace.”
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Eha – Meaning “twilight.”
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Ene – Meaning “the only one.”
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Helena – Meaning “light” or “torch.”
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Ingrid – Meaning “beautiful” or “beloved.”
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Kadri – Estonian form of Katherine, meaning “pure.”
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Kai – Meaning “pier” or “sea.”
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Kaire – Meaning “pure.”
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Karin – Meaning “pure” or “chaste.”
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Kersti – Estonian form of Christina, meaning “follower of Christ.”
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Kertu – Meaning “sacred” or “pure.”
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Kristi – Meaning “Christian.”
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Liina – Meaning “bright” or “light.”
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Maarja – Estonian form of Mary, meaning “beloved.”
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Maie – Meaning “good mother.”
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Marika – Meaning “bitter grace.”
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Merike – Meaning “little sea.”
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Moonika – Estonian form of Monica, meaning “advisor.”
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Pille – Meaning “flute.”
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Reet – Meaning “pearl.”
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Riin – Meaning “pure.”
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Siiri – Meaning “beautiful victory.”
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Sirje – Meaning “silken thread.”
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Tiina – Diminutive of Kristina, meaning “follower of Christ.”
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Triin – Meaning “pure.”
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Ulvi – Meaning “wolf.”
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Vaike – Meaning “little one.”
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Veera – Meaning “faith” or “truth.”
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Vilve – Meaning “willow tree.”
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Aime – Meaning “dream” or “vision.”
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Eneli – Meaning “torch of light.”
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Helle – Meaning “bright” or “sunny.”
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Irja – Meaning “watchful.”
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Leili – Meaning “warm steam” or “soul.”
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Maarit – Meaning “pearl.”
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Mari – Meaning “berry.”
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Silja – Meaning “heavenly.”
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Sille – Meaning “victory.”
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Taivi – Meaning “heavenly.”
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Tuuli – Meaning “wind.”
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Õie – Meaning “blossom.”
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Õnne – Meaning “happiness” or “luck.”
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Õnnela – Meaning “happy place.”
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Ärni – Meaning “peaceful.”
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Ülle – Meaning “wealth.”
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Õilme – Meaning “virtue.”
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Õilis – Meaning “noble.”
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Õnnelemb – Meaning “fond of happiness.”
Most Common Estonian Surnames or Last Names
Estonian surnames often originate from nature, occupations, and places, reflecting the country’s close connection to its land and traditions.
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Tamm – Meaning “oak tree.”
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Kask – Meaning “birch tree.”
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Saar – Meaning “island.”
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Mägi – Meaning “hill.”
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Kuusk – Meaning “spruce tree.”
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Pärn – Meaning “linden tree.”
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Oja – Meaning “stream” or “brook.”
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Aavik – Meaning “meadow” or “field.”
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Lepik – Meaning “alder grove.”
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Rannamäe – Meaning “coastal hill.”
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Vaher – Meaning “maple tree.”
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Põder – Meaning “elk.”
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Järv – Meaning “lake.”
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Lepp – Meaning “alder tree.”
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Nurme – Meaning “meadow.”
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Kalda – Meaning “riverbank.”
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Roos – Meaning “rose.”
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Koppel – Meaning “enclosure” or “field.”
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Laas – Meaning “forest.”
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Mets – Meaning “forest.”
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Õun – Meaning “apple.”
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Rebane – Meaning “fox.”
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Sild – Meaning “bridge.”
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Põld – Meaning “field.”
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Lill – Meaning “flower.”
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Sepp – Meaning “smith” or “metal worker.”
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Talvik – Meaning “winter.”
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Tiisler – Meaning “joiner” or “carpenter.”
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Vares – Meaning “crow.”
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Koppelmaa – Meaning “enclosed land.”
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Kõiv – Meaning “birch tree.”
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Liiv – Meaning “sand.”
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Raud – Meaning “iron.”
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Kaldaorg – Meaning “valley by the shore.”
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Voolaid – Meaning “small islet.”
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Õispuu – Meaning “blossom tree.”
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Kõverik – Meaning “crooked place.”
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Kuiv – Meaning “dry.”
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Teder – Meaning “black grouse.”
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Õunapuu – Meaning “apple tree.”
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Uibo – Meaning “apple tree” or “orchard.”
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Vahtra – Meaning “maple.”
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Kull – Meaning “hawk.”
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Paju – Meaning “willow.”
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Tedermaa – Meaning “grouse land.”
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Õis – Meaning “blossom.”
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Talumaa – Meaning “farm land.”
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Hunt – Meaning “wolf.”
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Sokk – Meaning “goat.”
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Tamme – Meaning “of the oak.”
FAQs on Estonian Baby Names
What makes Estonian baby names unique?
They often draw inspiration from nature, folklore, and Finno-Ugric roots, giving them a melodic and symbolic quality.
Are Estonian names influenced by other cultures?
Yes, Estonian names show influence from Nordic, Germanic, and Slavic languages due to historical ties.
Do Estonian surnames have nature origins?
Many surnames like Tamm, Kuusk, and Paju are directly linked to trees, animals, or landscapes.
Are Estonian baby names easy to pronounce?
Most are simple, though some include special Estonian letters like Õ, Ü, Ä, and Ö.
Can Estonian names be used internationally?
Yes, many names like Karl, Ingrid, and Helena are widely recognized across cultures.
Estonian baby names beautifully combine tradition, nature, and cultural identity. From strong boy names and graceful girl names to meaningful surnames, they capture Estonia’s heritage and charm. Choosing an Estonian name ensures a timeless connection to history, family, and the natural world.
