Finnish Names for Boys
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
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Finnish names for boys include some seriously strong and striking options, like Nameberry favorite Eero, which ranks over 3000 places higher on our site than in the official stats. That certainly makes it one to watch! And Eero is just one of a whole group of awesome o-ending Finnish boy names which we think have real potential further afield — even more obscure options include Aro, Reino, Timo and Valo. Popular boy names in Finland range from the familiar (Leo, Oliver) to the utterly unique (Eetu, Onni).
You're sure to find something to suit in our long-list of Finnish baby boy names, below. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
You're sure to find something to suit in our long-list of Finnish baby boy names, below. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
- Eero
Origin:
Finnish variation of EricMeaning:
"eternal ruler"Description:
Creative gem perfect for an architect's son, in tribute to modern Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.
- Valo
Origin:
Finnish; MalagasyMeaning:
"light"Description:
Really offbeat, upbeat multi-cultural name with light sound and meaning. Valo might make a more unique spin on Milo.
- Rasmus
Origin:
Finnish and Scandinavian variation of ErasmusMeaning:
"beloved, desired"Description:
A form of ancient name newly popular in Eastern Europe, Rasmus is rugged and distinctive - and on trend in Estonia and Finland. Virtually unknown in the U.S. but with its philosophical roots and uplifting meaning, Rasmus seems prime for use. The Rasmus is a Finnish rock band.
- Timo
Origin:
Norwegian, Finnish, German, and Dutch variation of TimothyMeaning:
"honoring God"Description:
Popular in its own right in Germany and definitely makes a more intriguing and grownup short form of the classic Timothy than Timmy or even Tim.
- Aalto
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"wave"Description:
The last name of Finnish moderne designer/architect makes an original, creative choice with an unexpected water-related meaning.
- Kalani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the heavens"Description:
This name is one of the hot new spiritual names for both sexes. In Hawaiian it means "chieftain of the sky" or "spirit of the sky,"and is extremely popular for boys.
- 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.
- Jari
Origin:
Short form of Jalmari, FinnishMeaning:
"helmet protector"Description:
Sleek modern short form of a classic Scandinavian name.
- Aro
Origin:
Finnish diminutive of AaronDescription:
Aro is a cute name from Scandinavia which, given the popularity of similar names like Milo, Arlo etc might be ripe for more usage outside of the Nordic countries.
- Esa
Description:
Esa is a masculine name with multicultural origins. In Finnish, it's a traditional name meaning 'God is my salvation' or 'God helps,' equivalent to the biblical name Isaiah. In Arabic cultures, Esa (عيسى) is the name for Jesus, making it a name of profound religious significance. The name's brevity gives it a modern appeal despite its ancient origins. Esa has remained consistently used in Finland and various Muslim communities, though it's relatively uncommon in Western countries. Its cross-cultural presence, meaningful spiritual connections, and simple pronunciation make it attractive to parents seeking a name with depth that works well internationally.
- Arto
Description:
Arto is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Finnish, it derives from the name Arthur, meaning "bear" or "stone." It's also used in Armenian communities, where it may be short for Artoush or Artavazd. In Spanish-speaking contexts, it could relate to "arte" meaning "art." Arto is characterized by its brevity and strength, with just two syllables and a distinctive ending 'o' that's common in masculine names. Though rare in the United States, it enjoys modest popularity in Finland and parts of Eastern Europe. The name carries an artistic, creative connotation while maintaining a strong, masculine sound. Its international versatility and uncommon status make it appealing to parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with cross-cultural appeal.
- Taavi
Description:
Taavi is a Finnish and Estonian form of David, a name with Hebrew origins meaning 'beloved.' Compact yet substantial, Taavi carries the strength and significance of its biblical predecessor while offering a distinctively Nordic flavor. In Finland, where it originated, Taavi has maintained consistent popularity as a traditional yet not overly common choice. The name has a pleasing symmetry with its alternating vowels and consonants, making it both simple to pronounce and memorable. Taavi represents a perfect option for parents seeking a name with ancient roots and religious significance but with a fresh, international feel relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries.
- Fenno
Origin:
A Finnish tribe and languageDescription:
If you've heard this name, it's probably from the hero of the acclaimed Julia Glass novel, Three Junes, or else the political scientist Richard Fenno. As well as a Finnish name, it's alos a Frisian diminutive from names in the Frederick family, making it is a cousin of Freddie, Fritz and Fedde. This name is so rare it's never appeared on the charts, but with its energetic O ending it might appeal if you're looking for an alternative to names like Otto and Arlo.
- Reino
Origin:
Finnish variation of ReynoldMeaning:
"council power"Description:
An attractive Finnish name with the potential to cross borders.
- Jalmari
Origin:
Finnish form of Old Norse HjalmarMeaning:
"helmet protector"Description:
Distinctive-sounding Scandinavian name. with deep roots. Short form is the attractive Jari.
- Akseli
Origin:
Finnish variation of Axel, ScandinavianMeaning:
"father of peace"Description:
A popular choice in Finland, where it ranks among the Top 50 boy names.
- Matti
Origin:
Finnish variation of Matthew, HebrewMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
We like Matti in theory, but in practice it’s likely to get confused for the girlish Maddie.
- Toivo
Origin:
Finnish, EstonianMeaning:
"hope"Description:
This name was on the U.S. Top 1000 in the early 20th century, when recent immigrants frequently chose native names that have since died out for American babies. But if you're of Finnish or Estonian ancestry, you may want to consider reviving this one with a positive meaning.
- Janne
Origin:
Finnish variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
This common name in Finland, which is also a diminutive for Jan in Sweden, might feel a bit feminine in the English-speaking world, too close to girls' names Jan and Jane.
- Aatu
Origin:
Finnish form of Adolph, GermanMeaning:
"noble wolf"Description:
Adolph is of course a name that is shunned by most people around the world, but Aatu is a form that feels far enough away from the original to be usable.