Finnish Names

  1. Lyyti
    • Maija
      • Origin:

        Finnish and Latvian variation of Maria
      • Description:

        A lovely and typical name on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Bothnia that no one in the English-speaking world will know how to pronounce. Maia sounds (virtually) the same and is far more familiar outside Finland and Latvia.
    • Malin
      • Origin:

        English or Sanskrit
      • Meaning:

        "strong, little warrior or crowned"
      • Description:

        Malin is multicultural name with many possible sources,. As a female name, Malin is popular throughout Scandinavia, a form of Magdalene. The male version has several theoretical roots. One of them is the multicultural surname Malin, which may be a matronymic descending from Magdalene or Mary or may be derived from an Irish surname meaning pleasant. In India, Malin is a male Sanskrit name meaning crowned or alternately, flower or gardener. Some may see it as a simplified spelling of the Biblical Mahlon. At once simple and unusual, the name Malin was given to 17 baby girls in the US last year but fewer than five baby boys.
    • Marika
      • Origin:

        Dutch variation of Mary
      • Description:

        Foreign variations of Mary are definitely the way to go; this one has a nice Dutch-girl feel. It also works as a cultural crossover name, e.g. between European languages and Japanese.
    • Marja
      • Origin:

        Finnish, Dutch
      • Meaning:

        "berry"
      • Description:

        A Dutch, Finnish and Sorbian form of Mary, which also happens to mean "berry" in Finnish, giving it a sweet naturey charm.
    • Marjo
      • Description:

        Marjo is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It functions as a Finnish short form of Marjatta or Marjaana (derivatives of Maria), and is also used in French as a diminutive of Marie. In both cases, the name traces back to the Hebrew name Miriam, whose meaning remains debated but may relate to 'wished-for child,' 'rebellion,' or 'sea of bitterness.' Compact and distinctive, Marjo offers a fresh alternative to more common Mary derivatives. The name is particularly appreciated in Finland, where it has a familiar, friendly quality. With its concise, modern sound and international versatility, Marjo appeals to parents seeking a simple yet uncommon name with authentic cultural roots and a contemporary feel.
    • Matias
      • Origin:

        Spanish variation of Matthias
      • Description:

        The single T version of Matias is, like Mateo, the Spanish variation of the Hebrew Biblical Matthias or Matthew, while the double T version as in Mattias and Matteo is usually Italian.
    • Matti
      • Origin:

        Finnish variation of Matthew, Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "gift of God"
      • Description:

        We like Matti in theory, but in practice it’s likely to get confused for the girlish Maddie.
    • Mika
      • Origin:

        Japanese, Slovene, Hebrew, English, Greek
      • Meaning:

        "beautiful fragrance; who is like God?; follower of Demeter"
      • Description:

        Mika is a sparky and stylish Japanese girls' name that translates easily to English. Also used as a Slovene and Hebrew diminutive for Mihaela and Michaela, as an alternative spelling to the Biblical Micah, and as a Greek diminutive of Dimitra (via Mimika), it is a truly multi-cultural choice.
    • Mikko
      • Origin:

        Finnish, from Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "who is like God?"
      • Description:

        Cute Finnish version of Michael.
    • Maarit
      • Maritta
        • Miska
          • Onni
            • Origin:

              Finnish
            • Meaning:

              "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.
          • Oona
            • Origin:

              Irish, variation of Una
            • Meaning:

              "lamb"
            • Description:

              Oona is a name made famous by Eugene O'Neill's daughter, who became Charlie Chaplin's wife. One of the original Oona's granddaughters was named after her, and is now an actress famous in her own right for playing Talisa of Volantis in HBO's "Game of Thrones." The double-o beginning gives their name a lot of oomph.
          • Oiva
            • Paavali
              • Description:

                Paavali is a Finnish masculine name that serves as the Finnish equivalent of Paul. Derived from the Latin name Paulus, meaning 'small' or 'humble,' it carries the same apostolic connections as its international variants. In Finland, Paavali has deep historical roots but remains less common than its shortened form, Paavo. The name appears in the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, adding cultural significance. Traditionally given as a baptismal name, Paavali reflects Finland's Christian heritage while maintaining its distinctive Finnish linguistic character. Though not among Finland's most popular names today, it represents a strong traditional choice that connects Finnish identity with broader European naming traditions. The name is typically celebrated on January 25th, Paul's conversion day in the Finnish calendar.

            • Pekka
              • Origin:

                Finnish variation of Peter, English from Greek
              • Meaning:

                "rock"
              • Description:

                The Finnish form of Peter was most common in its culture of origin in the 1950s and '60s.
            • Paiva
              • Sade
                • Origin:

                  Finnish, Nigerian and Yoruba, diminutive of Folashade
                • Meaning:

                  "rain; honor bestows a crown"
                • Description:

                  The one-named singer clarified the confusing pronunciation on this one (in her case, it's shah-DAY), but a number of parents have looked for more phonetic spellings. The Finnish version means "rain."