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Finnish baby names are admired for their unique sounds, rich meanings, and deep connection to nature and mythology. Many names are inspired by elements of the Finnish language, folklore, and the Kalevala (Finland’s national epic). Parents who choose Finnish baby names often look for options that are distinctive, melodic, and timeless.
Finnish Boy Names with Meanings
Finnish boy names often carry powerful meanings linked to bravery, nature, and mythology, making them strong and unique choices.
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Aapo – Finnish form of Abraham, meaning “father of many.”
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Eero – A Finnish version of Eric, meaning “eternal ruler.”
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Jari – Means “helmeted warrior.”
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Tapio – Refers to the forest god in Finnish mythology.
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Kalevi – Means “hero” or “descendant of Kaleva.”
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Armas – Means “beloved” or “darling.”
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Oskari – Finnish form of Oscar, meaning “God’s spear.”
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Veikko – Means “little brother.”
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Lauri – Refers to a laurel crown.
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Ilkka – A traditional Finnish male name.
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Antti – Finnish form of Andrew, meaning “manly.”
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Pentti – Means “blessed.”
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Seppo – Refers to a smith in Finnish mythology.
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Paavo – Finnish form of Paul, meaning “small.”
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Heikki – Finnish form of Henry, meaning “estate ruler.”
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Erkki – Means “eternal ruler.”
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Tuomas – Finnish form of Thomas, meaning “twin.”
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Matti – Finnish form of Matthew, meaning “gift of God.”
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Jarmo – Means “helmeted warrior.”
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Ari – Means “eagle” or “lion.”
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Ville – Diminutive of Vilho, meaning “will, desire.”
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Vilho – Finnish form of William, meaning “resolute protector.”
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Kaarlo – Finnish form of Charles, meaning “free man.”
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Risto – Short form of Christopher, meaning “Christ-bearer.”
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Juhani – Finnish form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
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Teemu – Means “victory of the people.”
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Antero – Means “manly, brave.”
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Tero – Means “strong like a spear.”
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Sakari – Finnish form of Zachary, meaning “God remembers.”
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Aleksi – Means “defender, helper.”
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Otso – Refers to a bear in Finnish mythology.
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Markku – Finnish form of Mark, meaning “warlike.”
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Jaakko – Finnish form of Jacob, meaning “supplanter.”
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Petteri – Finnish form of Peter, meaning “rock.”
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Niilo – Means “victory of the people.”
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Kalervo – Means “descendant of Kaleva.”
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Osmo – Means “young man.”
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Veijo – Means “sacred forest.”
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Reijo – Means “peaceful ruler.”
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Taavi – Finnish form of David, meaning “beloved.”
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Ensio – Means “first.”
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Olli – Short form of Oliver, meaning “olive tree.”
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Ismo – Means “esteem” or “fame.”
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Ilmari – Means “air, sky spirit.”
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Kari – Means “small island” or “rocky place.”
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Arto – Means “bear.”
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Juhon – Derived from Johan, meaning “God is gracious.”
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Voitto – Means “victory.”
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Taneli – Finnish form of Daniel, meaning “God is my judge.”
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Yrjö – Finnish form of George, meaning “farmer.”
Finnish Girl Names with Meanings
Finnish girl names are melodic, graceful, and often connected to nature, mythology, and virtues, giving them timeless charm.
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Aino – Means “the only one,” from Finnish mythology.
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Helmi – Means “pearl.”
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Sini – Refers to the color “blue.”
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Marja – Means “berry.”
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Liisa – Finnish form of Elizabeth, meaning “God is my oath.”
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Tuuli – Means “wind.”
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Katariina – Finnish form of Catherine, meaning “pure.”
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Eeva – Finnish form of Eve, meaning “life.”
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Elina – Means “torch” or “bright light.”
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Outi – Means “daughter.”
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Anneli – Diminutive of Anna, meaning “grace.”
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Riikka – Finnish form of Erica, meaning “eternal ruler.”
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Tarja – Means “star.”
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Maarit – Finnish form of Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
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Johanna – Means “God is gracious.”
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Katri – Short form of Katariina, meaning “pure.”
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Päivi – Means “day.”
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Raili – Means “peaceful ruler.”
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Sirpa – Means “fragment” or “piece.”
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Inkeri – Finnish form of Ingrid, meaning “beautiful goddess.”
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Kirsti – Finnish form of Christina, meaning “follower of Christ.”
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Leena – Finnish form of Helena, meaning “bright, shining.”
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Minna – Means “resolute protector.”
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Salla – Refers to a place name in Finland.
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Ulla – Means “will, determination.”
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Tuija – Refers to a type of evergreen tree.
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Virpi – Means “young branch.”
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Ilona – Means “joy.”
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Annikki – Means “graceful” or “sweet.”
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Hilkka – Means “veil.”
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Kaija – Means “pure.”
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Sinikka – Refers to “blue.”
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Marjatta – Means “berry.”
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Vieno – Means “gentle” or “mild.”
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Selja – Refers to the elder tree.
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Lotta – Short form of Charlotte, meaning “free woman.”
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Saara – Finnish form of Sarah, meaning “princess.”
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Venla – Old Finnish name meaning “friend.”
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Orvokki – Means “violet flower.”
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Elviira – Finnish form of Elvira, meaning “truth.”
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Maaria – Finnish form of Mary, meaning “beloved.”
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Oona – Means “lamb.”
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Kaarina – Finnish form of Katherine, meaning “pure.”
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Satu – Means “fairy tale.”
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Hanna – Means “grace.”
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Pilvi – Means “cloud.”
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Lumina – Means “light.”
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Aulikki – Means “noble.”
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Taimi – Means “sapling.”
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Meri – Means “sea.”
Most Common Finnish Surnames or Last Names
Finnish surnames often reflect nature, landscapes, and occupations, with many ending in “-nen,” which denotes origin or belonging.
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Korhonen – One of the most common surnames in Finland.
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Virtanen – Means “small stream.”
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Mäkinen – Refers to a “hilly place.”
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Nieminen – Means “small peninsula.”
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Heikkinen – Derived from Heikki, meaning “estate ruler.”
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Koskinen – Refers to “rapids.”
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Hämäläinen – Refers to people from Häme province.
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Savolainen – Refers to people from Savo region.
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Laine – Means “wave.”
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Tuominen – Derived from Tuomas, meaning “twin.”
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Lehtonen – Means “small leaf.”
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Anttonen – Derived from Antti, meaning “manly.”
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Kinnunen – Refers to a small place or family origin.
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Seppänen – Refers to a blacksmith.
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Ahonen – Means “small glade.”
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Ojala – Refers to a farm or homestead.
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Salminen – Means “from the strait.”
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Leinonen – Derived from Leino, meaning “song.”
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Räsänen – Common Finnish surname ending in -nen.
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Peltonen – Means “field.”
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Hiltunen – Refers to small wood or forest.
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Luoma – Means “creation.”
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Vuorinen – Means “mountainous.”
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Pietilä – Derived from Pieti, meaning “rock.”
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Rantanen – Refers to “shore.”
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Holopainen – Traditional Finnish surname.
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Pasanen – Derived from Pasi, a Finnish male name.
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Tolonen – Refers to origin from a place.
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Karjalainen – Refers to Karelia region.
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Jokinen – Means “river.”
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Koivisto – Refers to “birch grove.”
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Väisänen – Regional surname from Savonia.
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Hiltula – Refers to a small forested area.
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Manninen – Means “man’s place.”
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Järvinen – Means “lake.”
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Nurminen – Means “meadow.”
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Saarinen – Refers to “island.”
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Salonen – Means “small grove.”
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Penttilä – Derived from Pentti, meaning “blessed.”
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Miettinen – Refers to pondering or thoughtfulness.
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Paavola – Derived from Paavo, meaning “small.”
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Törmänen – Means “steep bank.”
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Hautala – Refers to “garden” or “burial place.”
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Kallio – Means “rock” or “cliff.”
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Haavisto – Refers to “aspen grove.”
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Aaltonen – Means “wave.”
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Pulkkinen – Common Finnish surname ending in -nen.
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Nykänen – Refers to something new or modern.
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Leppänen – Refers to “alder tree.”
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Korpi – Means “deep forest.”
FAQs on Finnish Baby Names
What makes Finnish baby names unique?
Finnish names stand out for their connection to nature, mythology, and distinctive sound patterns.
Do Finnish baby names have meanings from mythology?
Yes, many names like Tapio, Aino, and Kalevi come from Finnish mythology and folklore.
Are Finnish surnames nature-inspired?
Most Finnish surnames reflect landscapes, forests, lakes, and natural elements, making them deeply tied to the land.
Are Finnish names easy to pronounce?
Some Finnish names may seem complex, but many like Aino, Eero, and Sini are simple and melodic.
Can Finnish baby names be used internationally?
Yes, many Finnish names like Matti, Liisa, and Elina are easily adaptable worldwide.
Finnish baby names embody strength, beauty, and cultural depth, offering parents a meaningful way to honor heritage or embrace unique traditions. From boy and girl names to surnames, these names reflect Finland’s landscapes, folklore, and timeless values, making them perfect for families seeking originality and significance.
