Finnish Names for Boys

Finnish form of Daniel

An attractive Finnish name with the potential to cross borders.

This international variation deserves its own listing for a winning combination of distinctiveness and simplicity.

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.

A variation of Olaf that made the Finnish Top 50 in 2022.

A popular Finnish male name properly spelt Väinö, which derives from Väinämöinen – a hero from Finnish legend. Vaino (without the diacritic marks) is a Finnish word meaning "persecution" and so is not used in Finland as a name in this form.

Eetu is a perennial favorite in Finland, but is rarely if ever used in the States - probably because of the unfamiliar (to most people) spelling and pronunciation.

Inventive nickname option, but with built-in pronunciation problems.

Though lots of obscure place-names are now on the map, it's hard to imagine this one inspiring anyone.

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.