Compiled by a Finnish native, the list below includes virtually every girls' name with significant use or history in Finland. If you're expecting a baby girl and want to give her a genuinely Finnish name to honor her Nordic heritage or to reflect your love for the land of lakes, northern lights and sisu, this is the list.
Arranged alphabetically, the names below run the gamut from traditional Finnish girl names rooted in history (e.g. Elina, Aino, Liisa, Maria) to popular word names with beautiful meanings such as Lumi ("snow"), Aina ("always"), Meri ("sea") and Helmi ("pearl").
Ready to find the perfect Finnish name for your baby girl? Scroll down if you want to keep your search broad, or use the Jump Menu below to focus on names starting with a particular letter:
Aada. The Finnish rendition of the more worldly Ada saw a huge surge at the turn of this century.
Aamu. Despite its beautiful, bright meaning, "morning", Aamu might be a hard-sell overseas.
Aava. Reminiscent of the English Ava, Aava with a double A is both a Finnish given name and word: as a word, it's mainly used in the expression aava meri, which translates to "vast/open ocean".
Ada. The internationally-oriented version of Aada is also well-used in Finland.
Aija. Less common than sister name Eija, Aija peaked in mid-twentieth century.
Aila. This Finnish vintage name is pronounced much like the English Isla.
Aili. This lovely, lilting appellation with Finnish provenance is catching on internationally.
Aina. A name with multiple origins and international appeal, Aina is related to the evergreen classic Aino in Finland, and it's also a Finnish word meaning "always".
Aini. This vintage darling might appeal if you like the classic Finnish name Aino but want something more unusual.
Ainikki. One of the lesser-known -ikki ending Finnish given names.
Aino. With roots in Finland's national epic Kalevala, Aino is an impeccable classic that continues to appeal to Finnish parents, generation after generation.
Aira. The late dance legend Aira Samulin lends this name a great deal of positive energy.
Airi. If you need a Finnish name that also does service as a Japanese name, Airi might be for you.
Aleksandra. In Finland, Aleksandra is particularly popular as a middle name.
Alexandra. The only name with the exotic X on this list!
Aliisa. This one boasts a similar charm and energy as Alisa, but comes with an extra dose of Finnish flair thanks to the double "i".
Alina. If you're looking for a name with pan-European appeal, Alina delivers.
Alisa. This variation of Alice crops up in a number if countries, including Finland.
Alissa. Though Alisa has been in use for a long time, Alissa with two S's is a relatively new addition to the Finnish baby name scene.
Alli. In contemporary Finland, Alli comes across rather outdated, and its plural form, "Allit", has become a slang term for flabby upper arms. Yikes!
Alma. Though Alma is by no means a uniquely Finnish name, it does have a very Finnish ring to it.
Alva. This popular Swedish name also has a place in the Finnish baby name lexicon.
Amalia. Amelia is a relatively new addition to the Finnish baby naming scene, but Amalia goes back eons.
Amanda. If you're looking for a well-loved name that's equally at home in Finland as in America, Amanda might be perfect.
Amelia. Although this beautiful import doesn't have a particularly long history in Finland, it feels perfectly at home on Finnish playgrounds.
Anelma. A rare girls' name reminiscent of Unelma and Sanelma.
Anette. More Swedish than Finnish, but Nordic nonetheless.
Anita. What Anita lacks in trendiness, it makes up for in culture-crossing capabilities. Anitta is a lesser-known variation.
Anja. This one has history not only in Finland but also in the other Nordic countries, as well as in Germany.
Anna. This palindrome works across multiple languages and has biblical significance to boot.
Anne. Few names cross borders as effortlessly as Anne.
Annele. This rare but wearable name combines elements of two much more common names, Anneli and Hannele.
Anneli. Though not particularly popular at the moment, Anneli is one of the most popular Finnish girl names of all time.
Anni. An understated classic, Anni has always been quietly present but never chart-toppingly popular.
Anniina. Like many other -iina names, Anniina was at the top of its game in the 1990s.
Annika. The character in Pippi Longstocking endeared this originally Swedish name to parents all over the world, especially Finnish parents.
Annikki. If you're looking for a Kalevala-inspired girl's name with a strong mid-century vibe, Annikki might be perfect.
Annu. This Annukka-Anu hybrid has had some success in Finland in the past, but it's hard to imagine it ever making it in English-speaking countries.
Annukka. This somewhat dated but perfectly legit Finnish name might sound a bit too much like Hanukkah to English-speaking baby namers.
Ansa. This could be a nickname for the very Finnish Anna-Liisa or the international Anastasia, or you can use it on its own. Just forget that it's also a Finnish word, meaning "trap"!
Anu. This mini moniker has roots in several countries, most notably Finland and India, but it might be a hard-sell for English-speaking parents.
Arja. In Finland, Arja is stuck in a mid-century time warp, but its similarity to the hugely popular Game of Thrones name, Arya, might earn it some points in other countries.
Armi. To English-speakers, this evokes war and firearms, while Germans may think of poverty (arm means "poor" in German). But to Finns, Armi is a perfectly legit, albeit a bit outdated, female given name.
Asta. Found in all Nordic countries, Asta is both an old-fashioned given nane and a nickname for the equally retro Augusta.
Augusta. This one offers genuine vintage charm, whether you're in the U.S. or Finland.
Auli. A mid-century moniker through-and-through, Auli is not quite ready for revival in Finland.
Aulikki. With its -ikki ending, Aulikki falls squarely into the mid-century category.
Aune. One of the defining names of the 1910s, Aune is dripping with Finnish vintage charm.
Auni. This is a variation of the much more common Aune.
Aura. A Finnish word with multiple meanings as well as a river and municipality in Southwestern Finland, Aura has also been used as a girl's name.
Auri. This shape-shifter can be used as a nickname for Aurora or Aurelia, or it can stand alone as a rare Finnish choice.
Aurelia. This international charmer has only taken off in Finland in the twenty-first century.
Aurora. This currently popular Finnish girl name brings to mind aurora borealis, aka the northern lights.
B
Bea. Elsewhere, Bea typically falls into the nickname category, but in contemporary Finland, it's a name in its own right.
Birgitta. Though this Swedish-rooted name also has a Finnish variant, Piritta, it's the Birgitta version that has gained most fans in Finland over the years.
C
Camilla. This international import has been embraced wholeheartedly by contemporary Finnish parents.
Carita. By definition, C-names are imports, and this one came to Finland from Sweden.
Eerika. The feminine version of Eerik has been in steady but low-key use for decades.
Eeva. This is the Finnish version of Eva as well as the name of Adam's wife in the Finnish transliteration of the Bible.
Eevi. This Finnish name was on recess from the country's playgrounds for decades but has been brought back by twenty-first-century parents.
Eija. Eija had a good run in the second half of the twentieth century.
Eila. This Finnish vintage name has great potential overseas.
Eine. If you love the classic Finnish boy's name Eino, but are expecting a girl, Eine could be an option.
Eini. Another possibility for Eino fans.
Eira. This is the name of a well-known district in Helsinki, as well as a female given name.
Elea. This Eleanor offshoot is making a mark in contemporary Finland.
Elena. This Russian-flavored appellation is also in use in Finland, but if you're looking for something distinctly Finnish, we recommend Elina with an "i".
Eleonora. This quiet classic has maintained a low-key presence on the Finnish charts for decades. Eleonoora is a spelling alternative.
Elina. If you're looking for a bona fide Finnish classic with quite a bit of backbone, try Elina!
Elisa. This Finnish classic straddles linguistic borders with ease. The variation Eliisa is also in use.
Elisabet. The classic Elizabeth, Finnish style!
Elisabeth. Elisabeth is not overly common as a first name in Finland, but it crops up fairly often in the middle spot.
Elise. This one would do great in France, too!
Ella. If you're looking for a short, sweet name that travels well, here's an international star that's also living large in Finland.
Ellen. This one is not a traditional Finnish name, but it's hugely popular among contemporary Finnish parents. It could be great option if you need a name that crosses linguistic borders with ease.
Elli. The Finnish version of Ellie, this name has a long history of use in Finland, both as a standalone name and a nickname for names like Eila and Elina.
Frida. Previously mostly heard in Swedish-speaking communities, Frida has become a popular choice throughout the country.
H
Hanna. In Finland, this classic, originally biblical name is written without the final "h".
Hanne. Though much more common in the neighboring Norway, Hanne is heard in Finland, too.
Hannele. This one had a long run of popularity in the twentieth century, and it still has some fans.
Heidi. In Finland, this German import has a distinct eighties vibe.
Heini. A male name in many other countries, Heini is all-girl in Finland.
Helena. The Finnish counterpart of Helen was once a popular first name choice for Finnish baby girls; today, it reigns as a middle name.
Helga. This German and Scandinavian name also has history in Finland.
Heli. Though past-peak in Finland, Heli might appeal to new parents in other countries.
Helinä. The Finnish word helinä, which refers to a gentle tinkling sound, has also been used as a girls' name.
Helka. This is the Finnish riff on Helga.
Hellä. Though rarely heard today, this vintage name carries a cute meaning: "gentle". If you drop the diacritics, it becomes the Finnish word hella, meaning "stove"!
Helle. This Scandinavian and Estonian name is also used in Finland, both as a name, and a word (meaning "scorching hot weather").
Hellevi. Like sister name Hillevi, this relic has seen better days.
Helli. Aside from being an old-fashioned girls' name, Helli is a form of the verb helliä, which means "to cherish".
Helmi. This is an old Finnish given name and word meaning "pearl".
Helvi. Peaking one hundred years ago, Helvi seems ready for a comebak.
Hely. If meaning is important to you, go with Helmi rather than Hely ("trinket").
Henna. Consider this one if you can't decide between Jenna and Hanna.
Henni. The go-to nickname for Henriikka also works as a standalone name.
Henriikka. This is the feminine counterpart of Henri and Henrik.
Hertta. This currently-popular Finnish baby name choice means "hearts"—but only in the context of card games.
Heta. For once, you can (and must) skip the double consonant!
Hilda. After remaining in the shadows for decades, Hilda is back in a big way on the Finnish baby naming scene.
Hilja. Hilja used to have a definite grandma vibe, but it's found so much favor with the new crop of Finnish parents that it barely qualifies as "old-fashioned" today.
Hilkka. This charming vintage name means "bonnet", and for some brings to mind Punahilkka, the Finnish name of Little Red Riding Hood.
Hilla. This is one of the Finnish names for cloudberry, the highly-prized (and priced) Nordic berry, as well as a popular girl's name.
Hillevi. This Finnish throwback name is also a Swedish name.
Hilma. Widely used in the Nordic countries in the nineteenth century, this Scandinavian vintage name has made quite a comeback in Finland.
I
Iida. For those brave enough to go with the Finnish original, Iida is it. But if the double-i version feels too exotic, go with Ida—that works, too.
Iina. If you can't make up your mind between Eveliina, Kristiina and Karoliina, you can go with just Iina!
Iines. This one has a famous fictional bearer: Iines Ankka (Daisy Duck in Finnish).
Iiris. The Finnish version of the internationally-popular Iris has a long history of sparing use in Finland.
Iisa. Previously a nickname for names like Loviisa and Aliisa, Iisa now stands on its own, too.
Ilma. Meaning "air" in Finnish, Ilma may seem like a strange name for a child, but if you consider its connection to Ilmatar, the mythological spirit of air, it becomes a name with substance. Internationally, Ilma also counts as a butterfly-inspired girls' name.
Ilmatar. For most Finns, Ilmatar is a character in the national epic Kalevala, but for some daring parents, it's a baby name possibility, too.
Ilona. In use in a number of European countries, Ilona is not a uniquely Finnish name, but its similarity to the Finnish word ilo, meaning "joy", endears it to those who are proficient in Finnish.
Ilta. The Finnish word for evening, ilta, passes the baby name test, too!
Impi. An old name with a mockery-inviting meaning ("virgin" or "maiden"), Impi remains on the endangered names list in modern-day Finland.
Inari. This girls' name is borrowed from the Lappish region, and lake, of the same name.
Inga. This name is at home in several European countries, including Finland.
Inka. Though both Inka and Inga are used in Finland, Inka has a little more Finnish panache.
Inkeri. With its clunky grandma vibe, Inkeri is rarely spotted on new birth certificates—except in the middle name section!
Ira. Traditionally considered more of a boys' name in North America, Ira falls squarely into the girls' column in Finland.
Irene. In Finland, you can count Irene among the "quiet classics": it's never been truly in or truly out.
Irja. This one was all the rage a century ago.
Irma. Also Finland has had its fair share of Irmas.
Irmeli. This is the Finnish equivalent of the German and Scandinavian name Irmelin.
Isabella. Though not your typical Finnish name, Isabella has found a footing in Finland, too.
Isla. Not a traditional Finnish name but beautiful nevertheless, Isla has become a favorite among twenty-first-century Finnish parents. In Finland, it's pronounced IS-la (not EYE-la).
J
Jaana. This seventies' sensation probably evolved from Marjaana.
Jade. If you're after a name that means the same thing in English and Finnish, this could be the gem you've been looking for!
Janika. This nineties' sweetheart offers finger-snapping rhythm and the variations Janica and Jannika.
Janina. On the plus side, Janina crosses borders with ease; on the downside, its success in Finland was quite short-lived.
Janita. Another flash-in-the-pan, Janita additionally suffers from its similarity to the English word "janitor".
Janna. This one feels like a smoosh of the former style stars Jaana and Sanna.
Janni. Janne and Jani belong to the boys, but Janni is for girls.
Jasmin. The plant is called "jasmiini", but on the baby name charts, you'll mostly encounter Jasmin, Jasmine and Jasmiina.
Jatta. The familiar but not-too-common Jatta hit its apex in the 1980s.
Jemina. The biblical original Jemima hasn't had much success in Finland, but Jemina entered the lexicon in the 1980s.
Jenna. Not the trendiest choice, but works whether you're in Finland or the U.S.
Jenni. You won't find many Jennifers in Finland, but Jennis (and Jennys) are dime a dozen.
Jessica. Though not a typical Finnish name, Jessica has found footing in contemporary Finland.
Joanna. In Finland, the biblical character is called Johanna, but the English Joanna has also seen some use.
Johanna. Here's an enduring, classic pick that never seems to go completely out of style.
Jonna. If Johanna feels too long, try Jonna.
Josefiina. Like its English counterpart Josephine, Josefiina has a vintage charm that seems to appeal to today's parents.
Julia. The classic Julia is always a good choice, also in Finland!
Juliaana. This neglected name comes in two flavors: the aa-powered Juliaana and the culture-spanning Juliana.
Jutta. In the same ballpark as Jatta, Netta and Titta.
Juuli. Julia and Juulia may be much more popular, but Juuli is a possibility, too.
Juulia. Both Julia and Juulia are well-established in Finland, but the double "U" adds an extra dose of Finnish character.
K
Kaarina. This is the equivalent of the English Karen, without the questionable connotations.
Kaija. Finnish girl names ending in -ja abound, but only a few of them start with the letter K.
Kaino. Meaning "coy", Kaino was once a perfectly on-trend choice, for both girls and boys, but has understandably lost its place in the zeitgeist.
Kaisa. File this one under the classics!
Kaisla. In English-speaking countries, Reed is used as a nature-inspired boys' name or a surname, but its Finnish equivalent, Kaisla, is a girls' name.
Kaisu. Less trend-resistant and more casual than Kaisa, Kaisu peaked in mid-twentieth century.
Kanerva. The small, woody plant known as heather lends itself to an English girls' name, but guess what—so does kanerva, the Finnish word for heather!
Karita. Despite (or perhaps because of) having a more exotic feel, Carita with a C has traditionally been more popular in Finland.
Karoliina. The Finnish version of Caroline/Carolina was all the rage in the 1990s.
Kastehelmi. Meaning "dewdrop", this long but legit girls' name might be a bit too much for the international baby namer—and even in Finland, it's not everyone's jam.
Katariina. The Finnish rendition of the classic Catherine is still popular—as a middle name.
Kati. This pared-down version of Katariina flourished in the 1970s.
Katja. Making waves in the 1970s and 80s, the Finnish (and Germanic) variation of the Russian-rooted Katya feels dated to the contemporary Finnish speaker, but might have more success internationally.
Katri. No, there's no "n" missing here!
Katriina. Even if Finnish parents aren't falling for it in huge numbers at the moment, Katriina still counts as a classic.
Kerttu. Kerttu is a previously antiquated Finnish name that has made a huge comeback. As the name of the little girl in the Finnish translation of Hansel and Gretel, it has a certain storybook charm about it.
Kerttuli. It's hard to decide whether this one belongs with the dusty, musty relics or the quirky-cool retro names.
Kielo. Lily-of-the-valley, the fragrant flower that adorns Finnish forests in springtime, is also in use as a baby name.
Kiia. Though both Kiia and Kia are in use in Finland, Kiia has a more down-home feel (and sounds less like a car).
Kiira. This is the Finnish version of the culture-spanning Kira.
Kira. If you're looking for a globe-trotting K-name that works in Finland too, Kira is one to consider.
Kirsi. Finnish Kirsis are aplenty—but almost all of them were born in the 1960s or 70s.
Kirsti. This one preceded Kirsi, so it might be due for a comeback earlier.
Klaara. Like its English counterpart Clara, the Finnish Klaara is loaded with antique charm.
Krista. This one was popular in Finland when Cristal was cool in the U.S.
Kristiina. Names ending in -iina, including Kristiina, were dominating the Top 10 back in the 1990s.
Kukka. The Finnish word for "flower" doubles as a girl's name.
Kylli. For many Finns, Kylli brings to mind the late Kylli-täti ("Aunt Kylli"), a TV personality known for her annual Christimas story, cementing this name's old-lady image for years to come.
Kyllikki. This is one of the many -ikki ending Finnish names that were once riding the wave of popularity but are currently taking a break.
L
Lahja. This Finnish vintage name has a pretty awesome meaning: "gift".
Laila. Pronounced like the English "Lila", the Finnish Laila seems rich with potential.
Laina. Though Laina's meaning, "loan", may seem strange at first glance, it makes sense if you see this old Finnish name as a Christian name, and children as God's property, on loan to us.
Lauha. Lauha is an adjective used to refer to mild winter (or fall) weather, but it's also an old-fashioned girls' name.
Laura. If you're looking for a classic L-beginning girls' name that's at home almost anywhere, including Finland, Laura might be the perfect choice.
Lea. This is the Finnish equivalent of Leah. The variant Leea is also in circulation.
Leena. Though currently a bit neglected in its home country, this Finnish classic feels rich with potential overseas.
Leeni. This name-cousin of Leena has a long history of steady but sparing use.
Leila. This is pronounced the same way as the English Layla. If you want the Lila spelling, use Laila.
Lemmikki. Lemmikki is a flower (forget-me-not), an animal-related word ("pet"), as well as an old girls' name teetering on the edge of extinction.
Lempi. Meaning "love", Lempi is an old Finnish name that seems to be making a comeback.
Lenita. Most established in Finnish- and Portuguese-speaking countries, Lenita feels like a name that could make it elsewhere, too.
Liina. You can use Liina as a nickname for names like Pauliina, Eveliina and Karoliina, or you can put it directly on the birth certificate. Your call!
Liisa. One of the classic Finnish names that never seem to lose their luster.
Liisi. Poor Liisi continues to live in the shadow of Liisa.
Lili. If you can't decide between the English Lily and the very Finnish Lilli, try Lili!
Lilia. This Slavic beauty is now making inroads in Finland, too.
Lilian. In English-speaking countries, many n-ending girl names strike a classic note (think Madelyn, Helen), but in Finland, n-enders are appreciated for their foreign intrigue.
Lilja. Lily is among the most popular girl names in the U.S., while Lilja—which means "lily" in Finnish—is blooming in Finland.
Lilli. In Finland, the lilting Lilli has been in steady but sparing use for generations.
Linda. Though past-peak both in Finland and North America, Linda might be worth a look because of its cross-cultural currency.
Linnea. Modern Finnish parents seem to be crazy about this Swedish import.
Livia. An ancient Roman name, this Olivia lookalike has been in use in Finland for over a century but only became popular in the 2010s.
Lotta. Two-syllable names ending in -tta are a thing in Finland, and Lotta strikes as the most traditional one of the lot.
Loviisa. The coastal town of Loviisa lends itself to a beautiful girls' name.
Lumi. Meaning "snow", Lumi is a relatively new addition to the Finnish baby name lexicon, but it has already won over the hearts of thousands of twenty-first-century parents in Finland—and beyond.
Lydia. Though this biblical name appears as Lyydia in the Finnish translation of the Bible, the international Lydia is also in use.
Lyydi. This one feels more homespun than the elaborate Lydia.
Lyydia. The classic Lyydia took a break in the second half of the twentieth century but is now back in the game.
Lyyti. A nickname for Lydia/Lyydia, as well as a given name in its own right, Lyyti feels the most homespun of the lot.
Lyyli. This vintage name is also a colloquialism for "woman".
M
Maaret. This one feels like a cross between the Finnish Maarit and the Sami Máret.
Maaria. A member of the Maria/Maria/Marja/Maaria contingent.
Maarit. This is the Finnish take on the Scandinavian Marit.
Maija. This quintessentially Finnish name continues to appeal to Finns, generation after generation.
Maiju. This old Finnish name might be a little too exotic for the American palate.
Maikki. A nickname and occasionally a given name, Maikki brings to mind one of Finland's most famous children's book authors and illustrators, the late and much lamented Maikki (technically Maija-Liisa) Harjanne.
Maila. Maila is a rare Finnish girls' name, and coincidentally, a Finnish word meaning "racket".
Maili. Today most Finns probably think of distances (maili is Finnish for "mile") or the email (also maili) when they hear this old girls' name.
Mailis. Maija-Liisa is one of the most common hyphenated names in Finland, but the contracted Mailis works, too.
Maire. The French word for "mayor" double as a Finnish given name.
Maisa. If you like the English Macie, you might like Maisa, too.
Malla. This on-trend choice evokes the Malla Fells, a group of mountains in Lapland.
Manta. This Amanda derivative feels too tied to the fish to make it on the international stage.
Margareeta. This Finnish version of Margaret has never gained widespread popularity. The variation with two T's, Margareetta, is equally rare.
Mari. You won't run into many Marys in Finland, but Maris are not hard to come by.
Maria. Today more popular as a middle name, Maria is the Finnish version of the biblical name Mary.
Marianna. The sister-name Marianne is more common.
Marianne. This globe-trotting name is also at home in Finland, both as a girls' name and as the name of a chocolate-filled mint!
Marika. This well-traveled name also crops up in Finland, especially as a middle name.
Marita. A girl claiming this culture-spanning name could be from almost anywhere in the world, including Finland.
Maritta. Poor Maritta has always been overshadowed by Marjatta and Marita.
Marja. An appealing, nature meaning ("berry"), combined with the very Finnish -ja ending, makes Marja a solid choice.
Marjaana. This long and frilly appellation doesn't lack Finnish verve.
Marjatta. This Kalevala-inspired name was chart-toppingly popular in the 1940s.
Marjo. This one works whether you have Finnish or Dutch heritage!
Marju. This Marjukka spinoff has never quite found its footing as a formal name.
Marjukka. Originally a diminutive of Marja, Marjukka stands on its own, too.
Marjut. This Finnish invention feels destined only for local life.
Marketta. This is the most common Finnish variation of Margaret.
Martta. After struggling in the second half of the twentieth century, the Finnish version of Martha is back with a bang!
Matilda. A currently very popular baby name choice in Finland, Matilda works whether you're in Helsinki or Houston.
Matleena. Finns aren't fans of the letter G, which is why Magdalena has turned into Matleena.
Meeri. This vintage charmer plays off the English Mary.
Melina. This Greek-rooted name works in multiple languages, including Finnish.
Melissa. Outdated in America, Melissa still feels fresh in Finland.
Meri. Meaning "sea", this well-established Finnish girls' name feels like it could make it overseas (ha!), too.
Merja. Once wildly popular, Merja has been on recess from Finland's playgrounds for decades now.
Mervi. In the U.S., Merv-names go to the boys, but the Finnish Mervi is all-girl!
Mette. There's something about this Scandinavian given name that seems to appeal to contemporary Finnish parents.
Mia. If you need a stylish name that works in English, German and Finnish, Mia could be perfect.
Mielikki. This name comes from ancient Finnish mythology, where Mielikki was the goddess of forests and the hunt.
Miia. Mia-fans who want to add in an extra dose of Finnish flair can go with Miia.
Miina. The short form of Vilhelmiina has occasionally been used as the formal name.
Miisa. Though Miisa has never been particularly popular in Finland, its Finnish flair is undeniable.
Mikaela. This name is well-represented in Finland's Swedish-speaking communities.
Mila. The short and chic Mila is making waves all over the world, including Finland!
Milja. If you like the international style star Mila but want to add a Finnish twist, Milja might be perfect.
Milla. This double-consonant name was on-trend long before Mila made it to Finland.
Mimmi. Mimmi is a nickname, a word meaning "chick" (as in girl), and occasionally a given name, too.
Mimosa. This may be an alcoholic drink, but that doesn't seem to bother contemporary Finnish parents.
Minea. If you're looking for a modern Finnish name that's perfectly in tune with the times, Minea could be an option.
Minja. For the uninitiated, Minja may sound like a traditional Finnish name, but it's actually relatively new.
Minna. Just one letter away from the multi-cultural Mina, the Finnish Minna could easily develop a following overseas, too.
Minttu. In North America, Mint is reserved only for the most intrepid baby namers, but in Finland, Minttu—which means exactly the same thing—has been popping up on birth certificates for decades.
Mira. A name with multiple origins and meanings, Mira has friends all over the world.
Mirella. This Italian-flavored appellation works in Finland, too.
Mirja. The once-trend Mirja has been trumped by the fresher-sounding Milja and Minja.
Mirjami. In Finland, Miriam becomes Mirjami or Mirjam.
Mirva. Mirv-beginning names have never had success in the U.S., but in Finland, Mirva feels perfectly wearable.
Mona. You can choose between one or two O's (Mona or Moona)—both work.
N
Nadja. This is the Finnish (and German) version of the Russian Nadya.
Nanna. Despite being baby language for "yummy", the cutesy/vintage Nanna occasionally pops up on birth certificates.
Nea. In the U.S., Neas are a rare breed. Head to Finland, and you'll find plenty of Neas (and Neeas).
Neela. Reminiscent of both Seela and Nella, Neela is a relatively new addition to the Finnish baby name lexicon.
Nella. In other countries, Nella may read nickname, but in Finland, it's a full-fledged baby name.
Nelli. If you like Nellie and Nelly but want to throw in a Finnish twist, Nelli is the way to go!
Netta. Rarely encountered in the U.S., Netta stands on solid ground in Finland.
Niina. This is the traditional Finnish spelling of Nina.
Nina. Some Finns prefer to drop one "i" (but still pronounce it with the prolonged "ee" sound).
Ninni. This one feels fresher than Nanna, and comes without the epicurean association.
Nita. Not a standard-issue Finnish name, Nita's strength lies in its international appeal.
Noora. What can we say—Finns love their double vowels!
O
Oili. Probably a bit too, uh, oily to make it internationally!
Olivia. Also popular in Finland, Olivia could be a contender if you're looking for a beautiful name with international appeal.
Onerva. Cut from the same cloth as Kanerva!
Oona. Ona claims multiple origins, but Oona with two O's can only be Finnish—or Irish!
Orvokki. Meaning "pansy", this floral name was once a beloved first name choice for Finnish baby girls; today, it's popular as a middle name.
Outi. The distinctly Finnish Outi feels like an unlikely candidate for global fame.
P
Päivä. This one literally means "day", but Finnish parents seem to prefer the more ambiguous Päivi.
Päivi. This one managed to break into the Top 10 in the 1960s, perhaps because of its pleasant aural association with the word päivä, meaning "day".
Päivikki. If Päivi isn't exotic enough, jazz it up with the -kki ending!
Paula. This culture-spanning girls' name is currently taking a break, both in the U.S. and in Finland.
Pauliina. The Finnish equivalent of Pauline crested in the 1980s.
Peppi. For many Finns, this name brings to mind Peppi Pitkätossu, the fictional character known as Pippi Longstocking in the English-speaking world.
Petra. A girl called Petra can be from Finland—or from a number of other countries.
Pihla. This modern Finnish name brings to mind pihlaja, the deciduous tree known to English-speakers as the mountain ash.
Pia. Though Pia is a fairly common name in Finland, a girl called Pia could also be from a number of other countries. If you want to amp up its Finnish flair, try Piia.
Pilvi. The Finnish word for "cloud" has also been used as girls' name.
Pinja. Borrowed from the name of a Southern European pine, Pinja zoomed to prominence at the turn of the twenty-first century.
Pipsa. A somewhat outdated name and nickname with a famous porcine bearer: Pipsa Possu, aka Peppa Pig.
Pirita. This is the Finnish variation of the Swedish Birgitta, which in turn is related to the Irish Bridget.
Piritta. The Finnish cousin of Birgitta and Bridget can also be spelled with two Ts.
Pirjo. Too mid-century for today's Finnish parents and too exotic for English-speaking folks, poor Pirjo is out of luck!
Pirkko. Like Pirjo, Pirkko was once hugely popular but holds little appeal for the current generation of moms and dads.
R
Raakel. This is the Finnish equivalent of Rachel.
Raija. In Finland, Raija is locked in the same mid-century time capsule as Pirjo, Pirkko and Ritva.
Raili. Its pronunciation (akin to the English "Riley") might make you think Raili is a cool-girl name, but in Finland, it belongs to old ladies.
Raisa. Though its roots are in Russia, Raisa is perfectly at home in Finland.
Raita. This Finnish surname has occasionally been used as a girls' name but has never appealed to the masses—perhaps because it's also a word meaning "stripe".
Rauha. This old-fashioned given name literally means "peace" in Finnish.
Rauni. This female-leaning unisex name has its roots in Finnish mythology.
Rebekka. This is the Finnish version of the English Rebecca.
Reeta. If you're after a distinctively Finnish name, this one might create some confusion as it's also in use on the Indian subcontinent.
Reetta. Add a "t", and the ethnically ambiguous Reeta becomes the must-be-Finnish Reetta.
Reija. This is pronounced a bit like the American trendsetter Raina, except that the ending sounds like -ya instead of -na.
Riia. Both Riia and the more internationally-minded Ria ultimately come from Maria.
Riikka. Names like Ulrika and Fredrika give off Swedish vibes, whereas Riikka is patently Finnish. The lesser-known Riika is also in circulation.
Riina. If the classic Katariina feels too long, drop the first two syllables!
Riitta. An unmistakably Finnish name (credit the double vowels and consonants!) with a mid-century stamp.
Rita. To Finnish ears, Riitta feels down-home, while Rita is filled with foreign intrigue.
Ritva. Ritva is the quintessential mid-century moniker—the Debra of Finland!
Ronja. Swedish writer Astrid Lindgren's character Ronja Rövardotter (in Finnish: Ronja ryövärintytär) propelled this name into limelight in the Nordic countries and Germany back in the 1980s.
Roosa. You might think this name means "rose", but it actually means "(pastel) pink". As for the flower, the word you're looking for is "ruusu".
Rosa. Not a native Finn, but pretty nevertheless.
Ruusu. While Rose is a classic name for baby girls in English-speaking countries, its Finnish equivalent—Ruusu—is a relatively uncommon choice in Finland.
Ruut. This is the Finnish equivalent of Ruth.
S
Saaga. The Finnish word for "saga" has been making waves as a baby name, too.
Saana. The name of one of Finland's most famous mountains doubles as a beloved girl's name.
Saara. Like its English counterpart Sarah, this Finnish girl's name has biblical roots but appeals to a wide range of parents in the modern world.
Säde. This bright and sparkly name means "ray" in Finnish.
Saija. S-beginning, ja-ending Finnish girl names are legion.
Saila. Pronounced like "Sila", Saila seems rich with potential for the American baby namer.
Saima. This Finnish heritage choice is, coincidentally, also a Pakistani name.
Saimi. If you're looking for a Finnish vintage name with a twenty-first-century sensibility, try Saimi.
Salla. The name of a region located in Lapland, Salla is also a well-established girl's name in Finland.
Salli. In North America, Sally has a mid-century feel, but its Finnish counterpart, Salli, is locked in the early decades of the twentieth century.
Salme. This name traces its origins to the other side of the Baltic Sea, to Estonia.
Sandra. This effortlessly international appellation works in Finland, too.
Sanelma. Rarely heard today, Sanelma was a perfectly legit choice a hundred years ago.
Sanna. Sanna may have started out as a nickname for Susanna but stands on its own in contemporary Finland.
Sanni. The sprightly Sanni continues to see steady (but low-key) use in Finland.
Sara. Saara is the Finnish original, but in contemporary Finland, Sara is also common.
Sari. Sari may be an Indian garment, but it's also a Finnish given name and surname.
Satu. Satu, which means "fairy tale" in Finnish, shot up the baby name charts in the second half of the twentieth century but is rarely given to babies born today.
Seela. Seela is a previously rare Finnish girl's name turned style star! Actress Seela Sella is the most famous bearer.
Seija. One of the quintessential mid-century monikers.
Selja. Long outshone by Silja, Selja is finally making its mark!
Selma. This beautiful girl's name has a long history of use in Northern Europe but claims multiple possible origins from across the world.
Senja. Reminescent of the Greek-rooted Xenia, the Finnish Senja is a timeless but somewhat quiet classic that's tough to pin to a particular decade.
Senni. This one feels very Finnish, even though it's never been hugely popular in Finland.
Signe. If you're after a vintage gem with pan-Nordic panache, Signe delivers!
Siina. File this one under the uncommon but not unheard of.
Siiri. This is the Finnish version of the Scandinavian Siri.
Silja. If you like the English Cecilia and Celia, you might like the Finnish Silja.
Silvia. If you're after a cosmopolitan Catholic girls' name that works in Finland too, Silvia is a possibility.
Sini. Derived from the Finnish word sininen, meaning "blue", this name was red-hot in Finland long before Hollywood stars introduced the name Blue to the American public.
Sinikka. This blue-hued name was huge in the 1940s and 50s.
Sirja. If you're looking for a rare but resonant ja-ender, Sirja may be the answer.
Sirkka. Even the its meaning, "grasshopper", couldn't prevent Sirkka from soaring up the charts a century ago.
Sirkku. If Sirkka is for entomologists, Sirkku could be an option for ornithologists: when not used as a girls' name, Sirkku belongs to a genus of birds.
Sirpa. Once a hugely popular girl's name, Sirpa today gives off grandma vibes.
Siru. A perfectly legit but not overly common Finnish girls' name as well as a word meaning "shard" or "chip", depending on the context.
Sisko. The Finnish word for "sister" has also been used as a given name.
Sivi. A very rare but legitimate Finnish name of uncertain etymology (it might be related to the Scandinavian name Siv, or to the antiquated Finnish name Siviä).
Sofia. This form of Sophia is considered a classic in Finland.
Sohvi. A common nickname for Sofia, Sohvi also has history as an independent given name.
Soila. Of the several Soil-beginning names on this list, this one has the best prospects globally.
Soile. The aural association with the word "soiled" may put English-speaking parents off.
Soili. A variation of Soile.
Sointu. Music lover, take note: Sointu means "chord" in Finnish, and it's a totally legit girl's name, too.
Solja. Perhaps better known as a Finnish surname, Solja has also seen some use as a given name.
Sonja. This is the Finnish variation of Sonia/Sonya.
Sorja. This one does triple duty as a surname, rare given name, and a somewhat archaic word meaning "petite" or "slender".
Stella. The Latin word for "star" also has history as a baby name in Finland.
Suoma. For some, this is a spiritual name meaning "God-gifted" (Jumalan suoma), while for others, it evokes the word Suomi, which means Finland.
Suometar. This is an archaic and poetic word meaning "Finnish woman", as well as a rare girls' name.
Susanna. This was one of the most popular Finnish girls' names in the 1970s.
Suvi. In addition to being a poetically-inflected term for "summer", Suvi is a well-established girl's name in Finland.
Sylvi. If Sylvia feels too frilly, drop the "a"!
Sylvia. Though by no means uniquely Finnish, Sylvia continues to hold strong in Finland. The beloved Christmas carol, Sylvian joululaulu, lends the name some Christmas magic.
T
Taija. Part Taina, part Tanja, the eighties' cutie Taija has potential outside of Finland, too.
Taika. This one means "magic" in Finnish.
Taimi. A possibility for nature lovers, Taimi means "seedling" in Finnish.
Taina. What do Finland, Puerto Rico and Brazil have in common? They are all home to more than a handful of Tainas!
Talvi. Of the four seasons, Talvi ("winter") offers the most baby name potential.
Talvikki. This name has a connection to the Finnish word talvi, meaning "winter", as well as a botanical link (being the name of a genus of herbaceous plants).
Tanja. The Finnish version of Tanya was a solid choice back in the 70s and 80s.
Tarja. One of Finland's quintessential baby boomer names and the first name of the country's first female president, Tarja Halonen.
Taru. Less common than Satu ("fairy tale") but with a similar meaning ("saga"), Taru had her heyday in the 1980s.
Tea. Dorothea hasn't had much success in Finland, but the short form Tea (or Teea) is well-accepted.
Teija. If you like Tea but are looking for more substance, the sixties' sweetheart Teija might hit the right note.
Tellervo. This old-fashioned given name traces its roots back to Finland's national epic, Kalevala.
Teresa. This international import has never quite found its footing in Finland.
Terhi. Finnish botanists might recognize Terhi as the name of a plant, but this somewhat outdated girls' name also has links to Kalevala.
Terhikki. Only for the most intrepid English-speaking baby namer! In Finland, Terhikki won't cause spelling or pronunciation problems, but its mid-century vibe knocks it out of the running for most new parents.
Terttu. When not used as a girl's name, Terttu is a botanical term used to refer to clusters of berries (or flowers) produced by plants like the currants.
Tessa. The double consonant gives Tessa a Finnish feel, even if its origins are elsewhere.
Thea. Adding an "h" gives Tea a worldly vibe.
Tiia. This Tea/Thea cousin has a particularly Finnish feel. It can also be spelled Tia.
Tiina. This version of Tina is widespread in Finland and Estonia.
Tilda. This Matilda spin-off is also in use in Finland.
Tinja. Though a relatively new addition to the Finnish baby name scene, Tinja has quickly blended into the vast group of ja-ending girls' names.
Titta. Don't pick this one if you have relatives in Sweden: titta is a Swedish verb meaning "to look".
Toini. This vintage name was living large a century ago.
Tuija. Meaning "thuja" (as in the coniferous tree), Tuija carries a strong mid-century vibe in Finland.
Tuike. This one means "twinkle".
Tuire. The poetry-inspired Tuiretuinen is a bit too much, even for the Finns, but Tuire works fine.
Tuomi. English tree names for girls abound, but here's one with Finnish roots (Tuomi is the Finnish name of the European birdcherry).
Tuovi. If you're after a Finnish vintage gem with literary associations, try Tuovi.
Tuula. In Finland, Tuula's strong mid-century vibe may ruin it for the younger generations, but could it hold appeal for English-speaking parents? You decide.
Tuuli. This brisk and breezy girl's name means "wind" in Finnish.
Tuulia. A cousin of the word name Tuuli, the elaborate and feminine Tuulia is also common in the middle name spot.
Tuulikki. Like many other -ikki names, Tuulikki comes from Finland's national epic, Kalevala.
Tytti. Just one letter away from from the word tyttö ("girl"), this name is not everyone's cup of tea.
Tyyne. For long considered hopelessly dowdy, Tyyne feels baby-ready again.
Tyyni. This old-fashioned, weather-inspired girls' name evokes a calm, serene feeling.
U
Ulla. Finland's mid-century sweetheart Ulla is also a well-established name (and nickname) in Scandinavia and Germany.
Ulpu. This rare but not unheard-of name brings to mind ulpukka, an aquatic plant that adorns many lakes in Finland.
Unelma. This one means "dream" in Finnish.
Ursula. Ursula carries the same mid-century vibe in Finland as in Central Europe, where it originates.
V
Valma. This rare Finnish name is overshadowed by cousin Vilma.
Valpuri. The Anglo-Saxon saint's name Walburga transforms into Valpuri in Finnish.
Vanamo. This intriguing name takes its inspiration from the twinflower—vanamo in Finnish.
Vanessa. Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, this international star has also been gracing Finnish baby name lists.
Vappu. Both the First of May celebration known as Vappu and the Finnish given name Vappu trace their roots to the same medieval Anglo-Saxon missionary, St. Walpurga.
Varma. A surname in India, Varma occurs in Finland as an old-fashioned unisex name, on top of which it's a Finnish word meaning "sure" or "certain".
Varpu. In addition to being a girls' name, Varpu is a word used to refer to small woody shrubs, such as the common heather or the blueberry, which thrive in Finland's forests.
Veera. This is the Finnish version of the international-styled Vera.
Vellamo. You might want to leave this one where it came from: Finnish mythology.
Venla. This beloved girl's name has a famous fictional bearer: the main female character in the Aleksis Kivi-penned Seven Brothers, which is widely regarded as the first significant novel written in Finnish.
Verna. This could be a way to pay tribute to Zacharias Topelius, one of Finland's most celebrated literary figures, who used this girls' name in some of his poems.
Viena. Aside from being a girls' name, Viena is a region in the Russian-part of Karelia and one of the possible birthplaces of Kalevala poetry.
Vieno. A personality trait combining elements of calmness and shyness, Vieno was used as a unisex given name in the past but goes to the girls in contemporary Finland.
Viivi. To American ears, Vivi sounds pretty nicknamey, but its Finnish counterpart, Viivi, is a full-fledged baby name.
Vilhelmiina. If you're after a long, traditional Finnish name that Finns are also falling for at the moment, Vilhelmiina fits the description.
Vilja. Once relegated to the fringes, this nature-inspired girls' name meaning "grain" shot to prominence in the 2010s.
Vilma. You might be tempted to spell this with a W, but if you want to stay true to your Finnish heritage, stick to Vilma!
Viola. Orvokki, which means "pansy" or "violet", is a legit name in Finland, but if you're a globe-trotting family, the Latin version, Viola, may work better.
Virpi. This nature-inspired name means "thin, supple twig".
Virva. This one carries elements of nature and mysticism, being related to the word virvatuli, known as will-o'-the-wisp in English.
Virve. Being an inflected form of the word virpi, Virve shares the same etymology as the nature name Virpi.
Vivian. The international flair of Vivian seems to appeal to the current crop of Finnish moms and dads.
Vuokko. Anemome falls into the category of unusual floral girls' names in the U.S., but its Finnish equivalent, Vuokko, is a well-established given name in Finland.
About the Author
As an expat and mother of two tri-lingual children, the Finnish native Netta has first-hand experience with the unique challenges multilingual families face, starting with the challenge of finding baby names that work across languages and cultures.
