Finnish Baby Names

Kalevi is a variant form of Kaleva, the name of a character from Finnish legend — the ancestor of all Finns. Although both are masculine names, Kalevi may be better suited for non-Finnish boys, since an A ending is often viewed as feminine.

In Finnish mythology from the traditional native epic poem Kalevala, Sampsa is a mythical person who sows all the forests of the land. It is also considered a variation of Biblical Sampson, taken from Saint Sampson the Hospitable, a saint of the Eastern Churches who served the poor of his city.

Rauno originated in Finland as a variation of Norse names beginning with Ragn-, most notably Ragnar. The name is also heard in neighboring Estonia.

Pipsa is a nickname for the Finnish names PIpkka and Pirjo, both of which are variations of Bridget. In Finland, Peppa Pig is called Pipsa Possu.

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

A creative way to honor a Gregory.

A vintage Finnish name most common in the early 20th century.

A nickname for two Finnish names: Taisto and Istrael, the Finnish form of Israel.

Hilma is heard in Germany and the Scandinavian countries, and sometimes used as a shortening of Wilhelmina--though there are more appealing German names for girls. to be found. Hilma Wolitzer is an American novelist and the mother of author Meg Wolitzer.

This pretty Finnish name is a diminutive of a diminutive, going from Sarah to Sari to Saija.

A cool and wearable option for honoring an ancestral Harold.

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.

An attractive name that's uncommon even in its native Finland. Onneli ja Anneli is a Finnish children's movie translated to English as Jill and Joy, although the names are unrelated.

While its Yiddish use has died out, Sirke is seen today in Nordic countries, most commonly Finland. Sirke is a form of Sirkka, but it may also be related to the Finnish word sirkeä, meaning "lively."

A lively and charming nickname for Christopher — more modern than Chris.

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.