Finnish Baby Names for Girls

Saima derives from Saimaa, the name of Finland's largest lake. It was also the name of a 19th-century Finnish nationalist newspaper.

This sweet and straightforward Finnish name could be an ideal choice for a daughter born at night.

Salla is a variant of Salli — the Finnish form of Sally. Both Salla and Salli are common names in their native country, but Salla is the more modern form, having peaked in popularity in the 1980s and 90s (Salli peaked in the 20s and 30s). Today, Salla is given to almost twice as many baby girls in Finland than Salli.

For an American girl, the double "I" might be a problem as a child, but an attention-getting talking point as an adult.

Finnish variation of Helena

An unusual name that has not ventured outside the Finnish culture.

A soft form of Keziah used in Nordic countries, predominantly Norway.

Heddi ultimately derives from Hedvig, which may not appeal to many American parents as a full form.

Seen in Nordic countries as a nickname for Karolina or Karl.

The pronunciation may not be intuitive to English speakers, but this Finnish nature name is a top choice in its country of origin. Pihla derives from pihlaja, the Finnish word for the rowan tree.

A rare Finnish name for Christmas babies.

Immi is a Finnish name, seen as a variation of both Imma — the Low German version of Emma — and the Finnish name Impi.

In Finland, many pet forms of names end in U, such as Elsu, a nickname for Elsa.

Matleena is a contraction of Magdaleena, the Finnish variation of the biblical Magdalene.

Most commonly seen as a surname in Finland, where it means "deer." Maybe for a Christmas baby.

Sweeter and less serious than its parent name, Ilma.

A rare Finnish name which is used for both sexes, but more often for girls. It is usually found in the middle spot.

A pretty and unusual spin on Maria.