Top Finnish Girl Names: Unique Choices for Your Baby Girl

Searching for a distinctive name for your newborn? Finnish baby girl names may be just what you’re looking for.

Finland boasts a rich tradition of elegant, nature-inspired names, many rooted in Finnish and Swedish heritage. If you desire something that blends the traditional with the modern, or wishes to evoke a sense of Nordic charm, Finnish girl names present an alluring combination of soft sounds, robust meanings, and deep cultural significance. Below, we explore some of the most beloved names in Finland, alongside their meanings and origins.

Finnish women are often celebrated for their strength, vitality, and independence—a reputation that makes Finnish girl names particularly intriguing to many English speakers.

Furthermore, a number of these names are inspired by nature, embodying a spirit of adventure and a passion for the great outdoors. These attributes are undoubtedly wonderful qualities for your little girl to inherit!

Here are some of the most popular Finnish girls’ names today, along with their meanings, to inspire you in your search for a beautiful and unique name for your newborn.

Finnish names for girls
The top Finnish girl names in 2023
Classic Finnish women’s names
Finnish girl names and their meanings
The cultural significance of Finnish girls’ names
How to pronounce Finnish girls’ names
120 Finnish girls’ names (A-Z)

Finnish Names for Girls

Like several Nordic nations, Finland has specific guidelines regarding names that parents can choose for their children, as outlined in the Finland Names Act.

For instance, unusual or bizarre names that might induce distress are typically off-limits—so, it seems that names like Moon Unit or X Æ A-12 would not pass muster in Finland!

Traditionally, Finnish children are allowed up to three names, often featuring a shorter (one or two syllable) first name followed by a longer (two or three syllable) second name. This structure creates a pleasing phonetic flow in the Finnish language.

Recent revisions to the naming laws have relaxed restrictions, permitting up to four given names, as well as the introduction of compound surnames.

The Top Finnish Girl Names in 2024

If you are curious about the names currently gracing Finnish birth registries, the following list reveals the top ten baby girl names for 2024, based on official statistics from the previous year.

Classic Finnish Women’s Names

If you’re drawn to more traditional names, it’s enlightening to consider the overall prevalence of these names among Finnish women.

The following table lists the top ten most popular Finnish girls’ names overall, along with the number of women who bear each name in Finland as of 2023.

Finnish Girls’ Names and Their Meanings

While you may be taken by the sound of these names, understanding their meanings adds yet another layer of depth. We’ve curated insights into the origins and significances of some popular and classic Finnish girls’ names.

Aada

A variation of Ada, Aada ranks among the most cherished Finnish names for girls, signifying “noble-natured” or “noble person.” With its appealing sound and lovely meaning, it’s a fine choice!

Aino

Aino, which means “the only one” or “unique,” is a beloved Finnish name with mythical roots. In folk literature, she is often recognized as the heroine of the famous “Kalevala.”

Anneli

This charming name, a contraction of Annalise, combines Anna and Liese, conveying the meaning of “grace” or “favor.” Notable Annelis include Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Finland’s first female prime minister, and Olympic swimmer Anneli Haaranen.

Aurora

Aurora, which means “dawn,” recently emerged as Finland’s most popular baby girl name. With its Latin roots, it evokes the image of the Roman goddess of morning. The breathtaking aurora borealis, visible across parts of Finland in winter, further associates the name with beauty.

Eevi

This enchanting Finnish variant of Eve symbolizes “living.” With biblical ties, it pays homage to the first mother in biblical narratives.

Ellen

Ellen is a medieval English form of Helen, of Greek origin, meaning “bright,” “shining light,” or “torch”—a fitting name for those who illuminate the lives of others.

Emilia

Emilia is the feminine counterpart to the male name Emil and translates to “to excel” or “to strive.” With Latin origins, it remains a popular name throughout Scandinavia and beyond.

Hannele

A Finnish variant of the Hebrew name Hannah, Hannele translates to “favored by God.” Notable figures include Hannele Pokka, the first female governor of Lapland.

Helena

Of Greek origins, Helena conveys meanings of “bright light” or “torch.” The most iconic Helena, perhaps, is Helen of Troy, celebrated for her unparalleled beauty.

Ilona

A name of Finnish roots, Ilona means “joy.” It derives from the Finnish word ilo, which embodies happiness. It ranks among the most popular names for girls in Finland.

Isla

An alluring name with Scottish roots, Isla means “rocky place,” derived from the island of Islay. It has gained popularity across various cultures, including in Spain, where it translates to “island.”

Johanna

Scandinavian versions of the Hebrew name Joanna, Johanna means “God is gracious.” Given its association with successful female athletes, this name might inspire a sporting spirit.

Kaarina

The Finnish form of Katherine, Kaarina originates from Greek, meaning “pure.”

Kristiina

Kristiina, derived from the name Christine, carries Latin and Ancient Greek origins, signifying “follower of Christ.”

Liisa

A diminutive of the name Elisabeth, Liisa translates to “consecrated to God.” Finnish Olympic skiers Marja-Liisa Kirvesniemi and Riitta-Liisa Roponen carry this name.

Lilja

Lilja, prevalent in Finnish and Swedish, comes from the flower’s name, “lily.”

Linea

This charming name possibly derives from the Swedish word lind, referring to the linden or lime tree, or may imply “flower.”

Maria

Maria, the most common name for girls in Finland, has a rich Latin history and appears in various Norse sagas. Its meanings vary, from “bitter” to “wished-for child.”

Marjatta

Marjatta translates to “pearl” and embodies themes of “obstinacy” and “rebellion.” In the Kalevala, Marjatta is a young virgin whose story intertwines with the themes of birth and royalty.

Matilda

Of Germanic origin, Matilda means “mighty in battle,” echoing the tenacity of the beloved Roald Dahl character.

Olivia

Translated from Latin, Olivia signifies “olive,” a symbol of peace and fertility. This popular name resonates well beyond Finnish borders.

Sofia

Originating from Greek, Sofia means “wisdom”—a noble trait you’d wish for any daughter. The name is notably embodied by Finnish author Tove Jansson’s niece, Sophia Jansson.

The Cultural Significance of Finnish Girls’ Names

Names often carry cultural weight that may not translate universally. In Finland, many classic names are deeply connected to nature and mythology—a reflection of the country’s rural heritage.

For instance, the name Pihla, pronounced pee-lah, finds its roots in the word pihlaja, which means “rowan tree,” a symbol of good fortune and protection in Finnish folklore.

Likewise, Helmi, meaning “gem of the sea” or “pearl,” speaks to Finland’s seafaring history, derived from the Baltic/Finnish word for amber.

How to Pronounce Finnish Girls’ Names

Captivated by the meanings of these names? You might also be curious about their pronunciations. Finnish names can sound distinctly different from their spellings—often a surprise to English speakers!

Vowel sounds in Finnish are typically longer than in English; for instance, Aada is pronounced as arder, emphasizing the long aa sound.

For assistance with pronunciation, we’ve included a video that demonstrates some of the most popular Finnish girls’ names, along with boys’ names and surnames.

120 Finnish Girl Names (A-Z)

If you’re still in search of inspiration, here’s a comprehensive list of 120 Finnish girls’ names in alphabetical order. We are confident you’ll discover something that resonates with you in this collection!

Finnish girl names embody beauty, meaning, and a sense of Nordic tranquility—whether you gravitate towards the traditional or the contemporary. Do you have a favorite Finnish name, or have we overlooked one that holds special meaning for you? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below!

See also:
Swedish girl names
Finnish boy names
Viking girl names