Finnish girl names provide a great starting point if you’re interested in exotic-sounding names and unique spellings for your daughter. While the spellings can often be unfamiliar, Finnish female names can simply roll off the tongue.
With some beautiful meanings and traits, you may struggle to choose just one name. So, we’re here to help! Whether you have traveled through Nordic countries, connected to Finland, enjoy Finnish myths, or simply want a unique name, we have compiled the top 105 Finnish girl names just for you.
105 Cute Finnish Names for Girls
Here are the prettiest Finnish girl names if you need inspiration for unique names with some familiar pronunciations.
Aamu
Aamu is a fairly modern Finnish girl name that has only become more widely used since the 21st-century. For many of us, the concept of the morning is a fresh start, so naming your daughter Aamu could be a great way to celebrate her birth and inspire her to take each new day as a blessing. Aamu is a superb alternative to the more common English name Dawn.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Morning
- Pronunciation: Ah-mou
Aija
Aija features in several cultures worldwide, including Finland, Denmark, Australia, and Canada. Aija also features in the Bible as a male Hebrew name with a different meaning. If your primary wish for your daughter is to be a “happy” little girl who grows into a contented woman, Aija could provide great inspiration.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Happy
- Pronunciation: I-jah
- Variations: Aida
- Namesakes: Aija Mayrock, an American bestselling author and poet.
Aili
Aili is the sweet Finnish variation of Helga. Aili is also a diminutive of Aileen and an Anglicized version of Eilidh. However, Aili also has a spiritual meaning- by naming your daughter Aili you could inspire her to light up the lives of the people around her.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Bright and shining light
- Pronunciation: I-lee
- Namesakes: Aili Mari Trip, a Finnish-American political scientist.
Aina
Aina is an old name with a beautiful meaning that could inspire your daughter to be a joy to those around her. Although never common, Aina has become unique over the last century, making Aina a great choice if you want a magical name for your little princess.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Joy & forever
- Pronunciation: Aih-nah
- Namesakes: Aina Berg, a Swedish Olympic swimmer and leading female swimmer of the 1920s.
- Popularity: Aina peaked in popularity in 1901.
Aino
Aino is a lovely name for any little girl, frequently ranked in the top five in Finland. Aino features in Finnish folk mythology as the heroine of the poem Kalevala. Unlike many popular Finnish female names, Aino is short, easy to pronounce, and doesn’t have the typical “a” ending, so it rolls off the tongue.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: The only one
- Pronunciation: Aih-noh
- Namesakes: Aino Jawo, a Swedish singer and DJ.
- Popularity: Aino is popular among Finnish girl names, ranked #1 in 2020.
Anja
Anja is the Finnish/Russian version of Anna or Ann, making it a great alternative to this common English name. Anja also has a beautiful meaning ideal for little girls and grown women. By naming your daughter Anja, you could not only inspire her to have natural grace but also connect her with your spiritual beliefs.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Grace
- Pronunciation: Ann-yah
- Namesakes: Anja Rubik, a Polish model.
Anneli
Anneli is the Finnish variation of Hannah or Anne but is extra unique with its unusual spelling and three-syllable pronunciation. Anneli is also thought to be a contraction of the more common Annalise.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Grace
- Pronunciation: Ann-ell-ee
- Variations: Annalie
- Namesakes: Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Finland’s first female prime minister.
- Popularity: Anneli is very uncommon, with less than 20 babies per 1 million given this name each year.
Ansa
While it may have an unusual meaning, Ansa is an attractive name that simply rolls off the tongue. Although it may be another Ann variant, Ansa is derived from the Finnish word Ansa, which means “trap.” By naming your daughter Ansa, you could inspire her to always be wary of traps or perhaps encourage her mental skills with a mind like a steel trap!
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Trap
- Pronunciation: An-sah
- Popularity: In 2021, Ansa ranked at 10,192 in the U.S
Arja
While it may have a similar pronunciation, Arja is not related to Arya or Aria. In fact, Arja is derived from Irene, with the same powerful meaning. Irene has remained a fairly popular name in the U.S and worldwide, so if you want a unique form, Arja could be a great choice.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Peace
- Pronunciation: Arr-jah
- Variations: Irja
- Namesakes: Arja Koriseva, a Finnish singer with over 330,000 certified record sales, and recorded as the 7th best-selling female soloist in her native Finland.
Auri
All new babies can breathe new life into a household, but you can also use this as inspiration for your daughter’s name. Auri is derived from the ancient Greek “aura,” giving Auri the meaning of “breeze.” Auri may also be a short form of Aurelia or Aurora.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Breeze
- Pronunciation: Au-ree
- Namesakes: Auri, a Finnish band.
Eevi
Eevi is the Finnish form of Eve or Evie, which has strong links to the Bible. Eve was the first woman and mother and holds great religious significance for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Eve also has Latin roots, with the meaning of “living.” Whether you want to connect your daughter to your religious beliefs or inspire her to live a vibrant life, Eevi is a unique and apt choice.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Living
- Pronunciation: Ee-vii
- Variations: Eeva
- Namesakes: Eevi Teittinen, a Finnish professional fitness coach.
- Popularity: Eevi ranked in the top five in Finland for 2020.
Elea
Elea is a short form of Eleanor and a derivative of Helen. Depending on the area of Finland, Elea has different meanings, but either one provides powerful characteristics to inspire your daughter’s personality. Since Eleanor has become more popular in the U.S, reaching the top 22 status in 2020, Elea could provide a unique alternative.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Bright, shining light or merciful
- Pronunciation: El-ee-ah
Ellen
Although not strictly a Finnish girl’s name, Ellen has become embraced as a popular favorite in Finland. Ellen is a short form of Helen and shares the same meaning. While Ellen may be a familiar name, it is not particularly common in the U.S.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Light
- Pronunciation: Ell-enn
- Namesakes: Ellen Barkin, an American Actress. Ellen DeGeneres, an American comedian, and presenter.
- Popularity: In 2020, Ellen ranked in the top 10 in Finland and 804th in the U.S.
Elli
Elli is a Finnish form of Elizabeth and is often used as a short form of the name. While it may appear similar to the more common U.S name Ellie, the names have different meanings. Elizabeth has regal connotations, belonging to numerous royal family members, including the Queen of England. However, if you want a cute name that veers away from the stereotypical, Elli is a good choice.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: God is my oath
- Pronunciation: El-ee
- Popularity: Elli ranked number 17 in Finland in 2020.
Elsu
Elsu is the Finnish form of Elsa, with the same meaning. Elsu is one of the heroes in the popular video game Arena of Valor. Since the smash-hit Disney movie Frozen was released, Elsa has had a significant resurgence in popularity. If you want a unique form of Elsa, Elsu is an excellent option.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Pledged to God
- Pronunciation: El-su
Elvi
Elvi is a diminutive of Elvira, providing a cool and trendy alternative to the stereotypical Mistress of the Dark film character. Elvi rolls off the tongue similar to current popular names like Evie and Ellie, but Elvi maintains its distinction. By naming your daughter Elvi, you could not only express that she’s pretty but also encourage her to be fair-minded, always treating others with respect.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Fair
- Pronunciation: El-vee
Emmi
Emmi is a variation of the highly popular Emma. Emma ranked 2nd in the U.S. in 2020 and 2021 and is consistently chosen in many countries. Emmi can then provide a unique alternative. By naming your daughter Emmi, you could reinforce that she is never lacking and will always be whole, regardless of the challenges she faces in life.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Whole
- Pronunciation: Emm-ee
- Variations: Emma
- Popularity: Emmi is ranked in Finland’s top 16 girl names for 2020.
Enni
Enni perfectly encapsulates the strong Nordic roots of the Finnish language and culture. Enni is one of the most powerful female Finnish names that showcases a warrior spirit while remaining undeniably feminine. If you’re looking for a name that inspires your daughter to be strong, independent, or even sporty, Enni is a solid name choice.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: She who fights with the sword
- Pronunciation: En-nee
- Namesakes: Enni Rukajärvi, a Finnish gold medal-winning snowboarder.
- Popularity: Enni ranked 18th in Finland in 2020.
Essi
Essi is a short form of Esteri, a traditional Finnish name popular in the early 20th-century. Whether you want to inspire your daughter to be a stargazer or know she is destined to be famous, Essi is a sweet and pretty name that harks back to ancient Finland.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Star
- Pronunciation: Ess-ee
- Namesakes: Essi Unkuri, a Finnish tech guru, actress, and winner of Miss Finland in 2021.
Euli
Euli is a Finnish variation of Eulalia, an ancient Greek name. Euli is a cute name with a simple pronunciation even if you’re not familiar with the Finnish language. By naming your daughter Euli, you could express your sentiments about how sweet you find her and inspire her to consider others’ feelings before she says anything.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Sweetly speaking
- Pronunciation: U-lee
- Variations: Eulaalia
Evena
Evena is the female version of the popular Finnish male name Even. While Even is quite common in Finland, Denmark, the U.S, and Canada, Evena is considered unique. By naming your daughter Evena, you could showcase what a wonderful gift she is or inspire her to constantly compete and perform at her best.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Winner or gift
- Pronunciation: ehv-ee-nah
Fiia
Fiia is a beautiful and magical name that sounds as if it’s come straight out of a fairy tale. Fiia is a lovely name for any little princess with its short, simple spelling and easy pronunciation. With the meaning “flickering fire,” Fiia could be a great name choice if you enjoy spending evenings toasting smores or want to inspire your daughter to have a warm and engaging personality.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Flickering fire
- Pronunciation: fee-ah
Hanna
Hanna is the Finnish version of Hannah and Johanna. It’s a simplified version and removes the fun palindrome of the typical Hannah. Hanna is a cute name that can connect your daughter to your spiritual beliefs and provide an alternative spelling with the same pronunciation. Hanna is also the lead character in the movie Hanna and an Amazon Prime TV series.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: Hah-nah
- Variations: Hanni
Heddi
Heddi is the Finnish form of Hedda and a derivative of Hedvig. Hedvig is a little too similar to the name of Harry Potter’s owl, so it may not appeal to many American parents. Naming your daughter Heddi does not mean she’ll constantly be seeking battles. However, Heddi could inspire her to champion important causes or stand her ground when faced with challenges.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: War
- Pronunciation: Hedd-ee
Heleena
Heleena is the Finnish form of Helena and a derivative of Helen. Helen has roots dating back to ancient Greece, as the face that launched a thousand ships. Helen is quite a common name, often ranking in the top five in the U.S and other English-speaking countries. Heleena offers a unique form while retaining the same meaning.
- Origin: Finish
- Meaning: Bright, shining light
- Pronunciation: hel-yeh-nah
- Namesakes: Heleena Mistry, a British-Asian tattoo artist, and podcaster.
Helmi
Helmi is the Finnish form of Pearl – an old-fashioned name that has resurged in popularity over the last 20 years. Helmi could provide a unique alternative. Helmi is also a short form of the verbally cumbersome Vilhelmina. By naming your daughter Helmi, you could showcase how precious she is to you and connect her to your love of the seas.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Pearl
- Pronunciation: Hel-mee
- Popularity: Helmi ranked 10th in Finland in 2020.
Henna
Henna is the Finnish feminized form of Henry, which has a very regal history. Henna is a fun name that provides some regal gravitas. Henna is also a reddish dye, so if your favorite color is red, you could use this as inspiration for your new daughter’s name.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Estate ruler
- Pronunciation: Hen-nah
- Namesakes: Henna Vänninen, a Finnish actress best known for the Finnish soap opera “Secret Lives.” Henna Lindholm, a Finnish pairs ice skater, and 2012 Nordic Champion.
Hilla
Hilla is a sweet name that simply means “cloudberry.” These are delicious, fruity berries native to alpine regions. Hilla is a fairly typical name in Finland, but easy for English speakers to pronounce. Giving your daughter the name Hilla could inspire her to hold on to her sweet personality.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Cloudberry
- Pronunciation: Hil-ah
- Namesakes: Hilla von Rebay, a German abstract artist and first director of the Guggenheim museum.
- Popularity: Hilla ranked 15th in Finland in 2020.
Hilma
Hilma is sometimes used as a short form of Wilhelmina and is used in Finland, Germany, and Scandinavian countries. While Wilhelmina may be a little too much for American parents, Hilma is cute and rolls off the tongue. Hilma also has a very powerful meaning that could inspire your daughter to be strong, independent and fearless.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Protective helmet
- Pronunciation: Hil-mah
- Namesakes: Hilma Wolitzer, an American novelist.
Iida
Iida is the Finnish form of Ida, and while the double “i” may cause some pronunciation problems, it’s a far more unique take on the somewhat old-fashioned Ida. Naming your daughter Iida could inspire her to always work hard towards her goals.
- Origin: Finish
- Meaning: Industrious one
- Pronunciation: I-yee-dah
Ilmi
Ilmi is a light and sweet Finnish girl’s name that rolls off the tongue, despite the challenging spelling. Ilmi also has Spanish, Hungarian, and German origins, with a different meaning of “protector.” With either meaning, you can encourage great traits in your daughter to look after others or be a vital force in the world.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Air
- Pronunciation: Yil-mee
- Variations: Ilma
Ilta
Ilta is a sweet name that may be ideal if your daughter is born at night. If evenings are your favorite time of day, Ilta could be even more perfect! It could encourage her to always seek the renewal of a new day. As a little trivia, Ilta-Sanomat is the most prominent digital media company in Finland.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Evening
- Pronunciation: Yil-tah
Immi
Immi and Imma are the Finnish forms of Emma. Emma has been the top-ranking girl’s name in the U.S for five years, so Immi could be a more unusual alternative. Naming your daughter Immi could express her purity and innocence.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Universal or virgin
- Pronunciation: Im-mee
- Variations: Imma
Iro
Iro is the Finnish form of Irene, but the name also features in Japanese and Greek culture with the meanings of “color” and “hero,” respectively. Iro features in Finnish myths as the mother of three main gods. Naming your daughter Iro could encourage her to be a peacekeeper- seeking resolutions to conflict even when it’s uncomfortable.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Peace
- Pronunciation: Yi-roh
Jaana
Jaana is the Finnish form of Jana and the feminine version of John. John is a prominent name in the Bible, so it has great spiritual significance. Naming your daughter Jaana could connect her to your spiritual beliefs or ensure that she feels surrounded by the grace of God throughout her life.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: Jaa-nah
- Namesakes: Jaana Kunitz, a Finnish ballroom dancer, and fitness guru.
Joa
Joa is the Finnish form of Jo, and while more common for boys, it’s used equally as a feminine name in Finland and Denmark. Joa is relatively unknown outside of the Scandinavian countries, so it could provide a unique take on the more common Jo.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Jehovah increases
- Pronunciation: Jo-ah
- Popularity: Joa does not appear on any top baby name lists.
Johanna
Johanna is the Finnish form of Joanna, a popular girl’s name in the U.S and English-speaking countries. Johanna could provide a more unusual take on this classic name, especially if you want to inspire your daughter to be sporty.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: Joh-anna
- Namesakes: Johanna Braddy, an American actress best known for The Grudge 3. Johanna Konta, a British tennis player who ranked 4th in the world in 2017. Johanna Larsson, a Swedish tennis player, who had a WTA rank of 45 in 2016.
Joulu
If your daughter is due around the holidays or Christmas is your favorite time of the year, you may find the traditional “Christmassy” girl names a little lacking. Joulu is a rare Finnish name simply meaning “Christmas.” You could also use the sweet nickname Jule (Jewel), letting her know how precious she is to you.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Christmas
- Pronunciation: Jou-lew
Juljana
Juljana is the Finnish form of Juliana. Juliana has Latin roots and is a popular name in various European countries. Naming your daughter Juljana could not only provide her with a more unusual name but also encourage her to be young at heart and lead a more carefree life.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Youthful
- Pronunciation: Jul-ee-yan-ah
Kaija
Kaija is the Finnish form of Katherine but has roots in old Swedish. Katherine is a classic and consistently popular name, so Kaija is a unique alternative. Kaija is also sometimes used as a term of endearment, meaning “sweet girl.”
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: Kye-ya
- Namesakes: Kaija Koo, a Finnish singer, who has had a career spanning 40+ years. Kaija Langley, an American author.
- Popularity: Kaija peaked in popularity in the 1940s.
Karo
Karo is the Finnish form of Caro and the short form of Karolina and Karl. Karo is not only a succinct name that rolls off the tongue, but it also carries a powerful meaning. By naming your daughter Karo, you could inspire her to value freedom and independence.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Free
- Pronunciation: Kah-ro
- Namesakes: Karo Parisyan, an Armenian-American mixed martial artist.
Kata
Kata is a diminutive of Katalin and Katariina, both variations of Katherine. By naming your daughter Kata, you can have a cute name that retains the meaning of the more formal Katalin or Katherine. Kata is also very easy to spell and pronounce for non-Finnish speakers.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: Ka-tah
- Variations: Katri
Kerttu
Kerttu is a Finnish form of Gertrude, which makes it ideal if you want to name your daughter after a Gertrude, but don’t want her to have an old-fashioned name. Kerttu also has a very strong meaning that could inspire your daughter to be fearless and independent.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Strength of a spear
- Pronunciation: Ker-too
- Namesakes: Kerttu Niskanen, a Finnish four-time Olympic medalist cross country skier.
- Popularity: Kerttu ranked 20th among popular Finnish girl names in 2020.
Kesia
Kesia is the Finnish form of Keziah, used in Nordic countries but remains uncommon outside these areas. Kesia is an exotic name that may also remind you of the sweet-smelling cassia trees native to Florida. Cassia trees also have bright, bold flowers that could inspire your daughter’s personality and character.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Cassia tree
- Pronunciation: Ke-see-ah
- Namesakes: Kesia Jeftha, a South African dancer and actress.
Kielo
Kielo is the Finnish word for “lily of the valley” flowers. This specific flower is very pretty with a sweet scent. Since Lily has ranked in the top 50 girls’ names for over 15 years, Kielo could provide a more unusual alternative. Kielo is rarely used outside the U.S, but it could be perfect for your pretty, new baby girl.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Lily of the valley
- Pronunciation: kee-lo
Kirsi
Kirsi is the Finnish form of Kirsten and Kirsty, but misses the hard consonant sound in the middle. Kirsi is a multicultural name found in Finland and India, but it has different meanings. In Finnish, Kirsi means “frost,” making it ideal for winter baby girls. However, when taken from the name Kirsikki, Kirsi could also mean “cherry.”
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Frost, cherry
- Pronunciation: kur-see
- Namesakes: Kirsi Hyttinen, a Finnish volleyball player.
Kylli
Not to be confused with the Australian Kylie, which has an entirely different meaning and origin, Kylli is a Finnish diminutive of Kyllikki. Kyllikki is a beautiful maiden who features in Finnish myths and legends, making it a perfect name for your little princess.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Abundance
- Pronunciation: ky-lee
- Namesakes: Kylli Koski, a Finnish children’s presenter, actress, and artist, known as aunt Kylli on Finnish national television in the 1950s and 60s.
Leena
Leena is the Finnish form of Lena, with a more straightforward pronunciation. Leena and Lena sit just outside the U.S top 1,000 list of popular girls’ names. Naming your daughter Leena could showcase that she is a “light” in your life or encourage her to be a bright light, illuminating the way during dark times.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Light
- Pronunciation: lee-nah
Leka
Leka is perfect for a little fighter, derived from the Nordic Leku, with the same meaning. Naming your daughter Leka doesn’t mean you’ll be raising a brawler, but it could inspire her to have a fair sense of play, defending those who have been marginalized. This could make her a kind little girl and a formidable woman.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Defender of men
- Pronunciation: le-kah
Lemmitty
Lemmitty is an unusual Finnish name used equally for both sexes. Lemmitty is a lovely name that will allow you to showcase how blessed you feel at becoming parents. Naming your daughter Lemmitty will also inspire her to be surrounded with love throughout her life.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Beloved
- Pronunciation: lem-it-tee
Liekki
Liekki is a cool Finnish name with a fiery meaning. If you want to inspire your daughter to have a fiery temper and a passionate personality, Liekki could be a good name choice. Naming her Liekki could also encourage your daughter to be creative, spontaneous, and inspired, which are all traits of zodiac fire signs.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Flame
- Pronunciation: lee-key
Liisa
Liisa is the Finnish form of Lisa, which has Hebrew origins. Lisa is also a diminutive of Elizabeth. Naming your daughter Liisa could inspire her to be sporty, as the name is popular with Finnish Olympians.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Consecrated to God
- Pronunciation: Lee-sah
- Namesakes: Marja-Liisa Kirvesniemi and Riitta-Liisa Roponen, both Finnish Olympic skiers.
Lilja
Lilja is the Finnish, Icelandic and Faroese form of Lily. Lily has had a resurgence in popularity, ranking in the top 50 for the last 15 years. Lilja is far more unusual, particularly outside of Finland and Iceland. If you’re a fan of the actress Lily James or singer Lily Allen, but want a different take on the name, Lilja could be a good compromise.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Lily
- Pronunciation: lil-yah
- Namesakes: Lilja Sigurðardóttir, an Icelandic writer, best known for her mystery crime novels.
Linnea
Linnea is a pretty name that simply means “flower.” You can also use the short form Nea, if you prefer a snappier name. Linnea is a great option if you want a floral name for your daughter but find the traditional English flower names a little formal or popular.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Flower
- Pronunciation: lin-neh-ah
- Variations: Nea
- Popularity: Linnea ranked 14th in Finland in 2020.
Loja
Loja is the Finnish form of Louise. Millions of women worldwide are named Louise, so if you want something a little more unique, Loja could be a great alternative. Loja retains the powerful meaning that could inspire your daughter to be strong and independent.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Famous warrior
- Pronunciation: Lo-ha
- Namesakes: Loja Saarinen, a Finnish-American textile artist and founder of the Cranbrook Academy of Art weaving department.
Lotta
Lotta is the short form of Carlotta or Charlotta. While Lottie is the preferred version in America, Lotta retains that cute sound. If you want an informal name that rolls off the tongue, or you want to inspire your daughter to always strive for freedom, Lotta could be the perfect name.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Free
- Pronunciation: Lot-tah
- Namesakes: Lotta Nieminen, a Finnish graphic designer, and illustrator based in New York City.
Lumi
Lumi is popular among Finnish names for girls but is rare in English-speaking countries. Lumi is ideal for winter babies with its chilly meaning, particularly if you’re not attracted to traditional winter names like Ivy and Holly. Lumi rolls off the tongue with its short, spunky pronunciation and spelling that will appeal outside her native Finland.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Snow
- Pronunciation: Loo-mee
- Popularity: Lumi consistently ranks in the top 50 in Finland.
- Variations: Lumia
Maia
Maia translates in Finnish to May, referring to the month. Maia also means “goddess of spring,” making it an ideal choice for spring baby girls. With a pronunciation like the more conventional Maya, Maia could provide a more unusual spelling outside Finland.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Goddess of spring
- Pronunciation: May-ah
- Namesakes: Maia Sandu, the President of Moldova from December 2020.
- Popularity: Maia ranked within the top 500 in the U.S. in 2020.
Maija
Maija is the Finnish form of Maria, which is a popular name in Catholic countries with Latin origins. Maija is typical of the Gulf of Bothnia but rarely used in the English-speaking world, making it a unique alternative to the more common Maria.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Beloved
- Pronunciation: May-yah
- Namesakes: Maija Vilkkumaa, a Finnish pop-rock singer & songwriter.
- Popularity: Maija is rare, with only 10 babies named Maija in 2020.
Maikka
Maikka is a Finnish variation of Mary and is rarely seen outside of Finnish culture. Mary has religious significance as Jesus’ mother and other key figures in the Bible. For this reason, Mary is a very common name, particularly in Catholic communities and countries. If you like the meaning of Mary but want a unique take on the name, Maikki could be a great option.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Who is like God
- Pronunciation: Mai-kee
Maire
Maire is the Finnish form of Mary, which is also used in Irish. In Finnish, Maire is derived from “mairea,” which means “sweet.” This is a lovely sentiment for your new daughter and could encourage her to retain her sweet nature and personality throughout her lifetime. As with Maikki, Maire could also provide a more unusual form of the traditional Mary.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Sweet
- Pronunciation: Mare
- Variations: Mare
Maritta
Maritta is a Finnish form of Maria, providing a unique and pretty spin on the more common Maria. Maritta is easy for English speakers to pronounce despite the more unusual spelling, so your daughter should not have any issues. You can also use the cute Itta as a pet name.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Drop of the sea
- Pronunciation: mar-it-tah
Matleena
Matleena is a contraction of Magdaleena, a Finnish form of Magdalene. Magdalene or Mary Magdalene is a crucial biblical figure, as she traveled with Jesus and his disciples and witnessed his crucifixion and miraculous resurrection. If you want to connect your daughter to your religious beliefs but want a more unusual name, Matleena is an excellent option. You can also use the sweet Matty or Leena as nicknames.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: High tower, woman from Magdala
- Pronunciation: Mat-lee-nah
- Namesakes: Matleena Kuusniemi, a Finnish actress best known as Paulina in the Netflix TV series Bordertown.
- Popularity: Matleena is rarely seen outside Finnish communities.
Meri
Meri has a cheerful sound that brings a smile to your face and is perfect for a sunny little girl. Meri is also considered another form of Mary. Whether you want to inspire your daughter to adopt a happy disposition or connect her to your religious beliefs, Meri is a pretty name choice.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Sea
- Pronunciation: Mer-ree
- Namesakes: Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia, a Maori feminist icon and suffrage campaigner who inspired future generations of women in New Zealand.
Milvi
Milvi is a diminutive of Miranda, credited to writer Mats Tonisson. He would use Milvi as a nickname for one of his characters, Miranda. Milvi also has roots in the Estonian language, from the world “miilama,” which means “to glow.” Milvi is a cute name, ideal if you like short, snappy names but want to avoid more common forms such as Millie.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Marvelous
- Pronunciation: mil-vee
- Popularity: Milvi is rare, with an average of 11 girls named Milvi each year since 1931.
Minea
Minea is the Finnish feminization of Minos, a mighty king from ancient Greek myths. Minea was invented by Finnish writer Mika Waltari, who first used the name in his 1945 novel, The Egyptian. Naming your daughter Minea could provide her with some regal gravitas, but you could also use the sweet Minnie as a pet name.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: King
- Pronunciation: min-eh-ah
Minna
Minna is a diminutive of Wilhelmina used in Finland, Germany, and Estonia. While Wilhemina peaked in popularity in the 1940s, Minna remains a cool alternative. Minna could be the perfect choice if you want to name your daughter after a Wilhemina, but prefer a more up-to-date name.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Protection
- Pronunciation: Min-ah
- Namesakes: Minna Salami, a Finnish Nigerian feminist journalist.
Minttu
Minttu is the Finnish word for “mint.” Minty used to be a popular form of Araminta, but the name fell out of favor after peaking in popularity in the 18th-century. Whether you want a modern spin on a classic name or a cool name for your daughter, Minttu is worthy of consideration.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Mint
- Pronunciation: Mint-too
- Namesakes: Minttu Virtanen, a Finnish model and wife of F1 driver Kimi Raikkonnen.
Mirja
Mirja is the Finnish form of Miriam, who was the sister of Moses and Aaron in the Old Testament. If you want to pay tribute to a Miriam but want a more modern or unusual form, Mirja is an excellent option. Naming your daughter Mirja could also connect her more profoundly with nature, particularly the oceans and seas.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Of the sea
- Pronunciation: Mir-yah
- Popularity: Mirja is very rare outside of Finland.
Nelma
Nelma originated as a nickname for Sanelma and Anelma, but has become a name in its own right. If you want to express the “light” that your new daughter is bringing into your life, Nelma is a pretty name choice. You can also use Nell or Nellie as a pet name.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Light
- Pronunciation: Nel-mah
Omena
If you imagine your daughter to be the apple of your eye, Omena could make a perfect name choice. It’s a more covert fruit name that only Finnish speakers will understand. If you want your daughter to have a fruity name without appearing too celeb, Omena is a great option.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Apple
- Pronunciation: oh-mee-nah
Onneli
Onneli is the Finnish version of Joy and the feminine form of Onni. If you want to surround your daughter with luck and happiness, you could achieve this with the name Onneli. Onneli is uncommon even in Finland but has been used for the Finnish children’s movie Onneli ja Anneli or Jill and Joy.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Luck, happiness
- Pronunciation: Oh-nell-ee
Peppi
Peppi is the Finnish form of Pippi and Pepa. Peppi is used in the Finnish translation of Pippi in the Pippi Longstocking book series. Whether you have a connection to horses or want a fun, unique name for your daughter, Peppi is an interesting choice.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Lover of horses
- Pronunciation: Pep-pee
- Popularity: Peppi ranked in the top 50 in Finland between 2007 and 2012.
Peura
Although more commonly used as a surname in Finland, Peura is sometimes used as a first name for girls. With the meaning of “reindeer,” Peura could be an unusual option for a Christmas or winter baby.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Reindeer
- Pronunciation: pee-ur-ah
Pihla
While it may not have a familiar pronunciation for English speakers, Pihla is pretty popular among Finnish girl names. Pihla derives from “pihlaja,” the Finnish word for “rowan tree.” Rowan trees are very pretty, with delicate white flowers and bright berries. Pihla could also be a good name choice if you’re a fan of the English comedy actor Rowan Atkinson.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Rowan tree
- Pronunciation: peeh-lah
- Namesakes: Pihla Viitala, a Finnish actress, best known outside of Finland for her role in the movie Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.
- Popularity: Pihla ranked 4th in Finland in 2020.
Pilvi
Pilvi is a sweet name that’s easy for English speakers to pronounce. If you want to inspire your daughter to be a dreamer, naming her Pilvi could be a good choice. Pilvi is also excellent if you’re a firm believer in the saying “every cloud has a silver lining” – you could inspire your daughter to always be a positive force.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Cloud
- Pronunciation: pil-vee
Pinja
Pinja is derived from the Finnish word for “pine,” which may seem like a strange inspiration for a name. However, pine trees are evergreen and can withstand the harshest weather, which could inspire your daughter to have a hardy character. Pinja could also be used as a covert Christmassy name since the pine tree is an iconic symbol of the holidays.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Stone pine
- Pronunciation: pin-ya
- Popularity: Pinja has been waning in popularity since 2013.
Pipsa
Pipsa is a Finnish diminutive of Pirjo and Pipkka- both variations of Bridget. Bridget is a powerful name with Gaelic roots. Naming your daughter Pipsa could inspire her to be strong and independent. Pipsa is also used in the Finnish translation of Peppa Pig as the character is called Pipsa Possu.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Strength, exalted one
- Pronunciation: pip-sah
Saara
Saara is the Finnish form of Sarah or Sara. While it has a different spelling and slightly different pronunciation, it offers a cool variation on some very common names. Saara is the perfect name for any little princess.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Princess
- Pronunciation: sah-rah
- Namesakes: Saara Aalto, a Finnish singer, songwriter, and actress, who sang the Finnish version of “Let it go” and featured on X-Factor UK.
Sade
Sade features in several cultures worldwide, including Finnish and Nigerian. Although best known for its famous Nigerian-British singer, Sade has a different meaning in Nigerian. In Finnish, Sade means “rain.” If you’re the kind of person who enjoys walking in the rain, Sade could perfectly inspire your daughter’s name.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Rain
- Pronunciation: Sah-day
- Namesakes: Sade, a Nigerian-British singer-songwriter.
Saija
Saija is another Finnish diminutive of Sarah, which evolved to Sari before becoming Saija. If you like what Sarah offers but want something extra unique, Saija is an excellent name choice.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Princess
- Pronunciation: Sai-yah
- Namesakes: Saija Tuupanen, a Finnish musical artist.
Saima
Saima is a Finnish girl’s name and features in Muslim countries. Saima is derived from Saimaa, the largest lake in Finland. Saima is an unusual name in English-speaking countries, but you could use the pet name Saimee.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Pious woman
- Pronunciation: Sai-mah
Salla
Salla is the Finnish form of Sally. Salla is a modern take on the Finnish Salli, which peaked in popularity in the 1920s. Sally is closely related to the popular Hebrew Sarah, sharing the same meaning, making Salla a perfect choice for your delightful “princess.”
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Princess
- Pronunciation: Sal-lah
- Namesakes: Salla Simukka, a Finnish best selling novelist.
Sanna
Sanna is a Finnish short form of Susanna, with a lovely floral meaning. If you want a unique take on Lily, Sanna or Sanni are great options. You can also take inspiration from these beautiful flowers that bloom in a variety of colors and can thrive in any condition.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Lily
- Pronunciation: San-nah
- Variations: Sanni
- Namesakes: Sanna Marin, the Prime Minister of Finland.
Sari
While many associate Sari with the clothing item worn in India, it’s also a Finnish girl’s name. Not to be confused with Suri, the name of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’s daughter, Sari, has a strong and traditional meaning. Naming your daughter Sari could inspire her to be courageous, generous, and honest, which are all traits of nobility.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Noble
- Pronunciation: Sah-RI
Seela
While “rock” may seem like a strange concept for a name, it could inspire your daughter to develop several admirable traits. By naming your daughter Seela, you could encourage her to be strong, resilient, and someone others can lean on in troubled times.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Rock
- Pronunciation: See-lah
- Namesakes: Seela Sella, a Finnish actress who had a career spanning over 40 years.
Senja
Senja is the Finnish form of Xenia. Xenia has Greek roots that date back centuries, but Senja has evolved its own meaning. Senja is also the name of a Norwegian island. By naming your daughter Senja, you could encourage her to develop a warm personality that is always ready to welcome others into her home and life. .
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Welcoming, hospitable
- Pronunciation: Sen-yah
Sini
Sini is a colorful and fun name ideal for those who are fond of the color blue. Whether blue has some particular significance to you, blue features in your favorite song, or is simply your favorite color, naming your daughter “Blue” may be a little on the nose. However, you can still use blue as your name inspiration with the more creative and unusual Sini.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Blue
- Pronunciation: Sin-ee
Sirke
The roots of Sirke are pretty varied. The conventional opinion is that Sirke is a Finnish variation of Sirkka, which is the Yiddish form of Sarah. While the Yiddish name has fallen out of favor, Sirke continues to be found in Nordic countries, particularly Finland. Sirka may also be derived from the Finnish word “sirkeä,” which means “lively.”
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Grasshopper
- Pronunciation: Sier-kei
Sisko
Sisko is a superb name choice if you already have children and want to define your new daughter’s place in the family. Sisko is a sweet name that rolls off the tongue and can encourage your new daughter’s siblings to embrace her. Sisko could also be a good choice if you’re a fan of the Star Trek Deep Space Nine series, in tribute to the captain.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Sister
- Pronunciation: Sis-koh
- Popularity: Sisko peaked in popularity in Finland between the 1930s and 1970s.
Sofia
Sofia and Sohvi are the Finnish variations of Sophia. While Sofia has a different spelling, it has a familiar pronunciation, so it’s easy for English speakers to use. By naming your daughter Sofia, you could inspire her to think about her decisions and have the wisdom to know the right path.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Wisdom
- Pronunciation: So-fee-ah
- Variations: Sohvi
- Namesakes: Sofia Vegara, a Colombian actress, best known for her role on the television show Modern Family. Sofia Coppola, an American filmmaker with credits including Lost in Translation and The Virgin Suicides.
- Popularity: Sofia ranked the 3rd most popular girls name in Finland in 2020 and 22nd in America.
Suvi
Suvi is the perfect name choice for summer babies. It’s not only cute, but unusual, yet the pronunciation is similar to the popular English name Susie. Even if your daughter is not due in summer, you could inspire her to develop a warm and sunny personality with the name Suvi.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Summer
- Pronunciation: Su-vee
- Namesakes: Suvi Teräsniska, a Finnish singer. Suvi Koponen, a Finnish supermodel.
Taika
Taika is a Finnish name also found in Maori culture. The name has magical connotations in Finnish, but it means “tiger” in Maori. Whether you are interested in the legends of witchcraft, are interested in white magic, or simply want your daughter to have a tenacious tiger spirit, Taika is a great name choice.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Magic
- Pronunciation: Tai-kah
- Namesakes: Taika Waititi, a New Zealand filmmaker.
Taimi
Taimi is another Finnish girl name that celebrates Finnish trees. Taimi is an ideal name for a mini-you, as it has a lovely translation of “sapling.” By naming your daughter Taimi you could encourage her to develop strong roots and grow to be big and strong.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Sapling
- Pronunciation: tai-mee
Taina
Taina is the Finnish form of Tatiana and a feminine version of Tupi. In Finnish, Taina means “star,” but the Russian meaning is “secret.” Whether you want a more unusual celestial name than Astrid or Stella, you’re a fan of the Nickelodeon show, Taina, or your daughter is a sweet secret, Taina is a lovely name worthy of consideration.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Star, secret
- Pronunciation: tai-nah
Taru
Taru is a mighty name, the pet form of Tarja, and the Finnish version of Daria. If you have big dreams for your daughter and want her to live an extraordinary life filled with wonder, Taru is a superb name. However, despite this large promise, Taru is a sweet and cute name perfect for a little girl to grow into when she’s an adult.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Epic
- Pronunciation: Tah-roo
Tuuli
Tuuli is easy to pronounce, like Julie with a “t,” so it sounds familiar to English speakers. The double “u” provides some quirkiness, and Tuuli is a very unique name. If you imagine your daughter growing up as a force of nature, Tuuli would be very apt.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Wind
- Pronunciation: Too-lee
- Namesakes: Tuuli, a Finnish musical artist.
Tyyni
While the double “y” makes Tynni a very unusual name, it has a straightforward pronunciation that should be easy for English speakers. Tynni is the Finnish word to describe a lake’s calm, mirror-like surface, which creates a beautiful image to inspire your daughter’s name. Tynni could also encourage your daughter to take things in her stride.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Calm and serene
- Pronunciation: tuuh-neh
- Variations: Tynne
Ulla
Ulla is a name in its own right, but it can also be used as an abbreviation for Ulrika or Ursula. Ulla was the name of the Swedish secretary in The Producers film, played by Uma Thurman. Ulla is the ideal name for a strong-willed little girl determined to reach her goals. Naming your daughter Ulla could inspire her to succeed in anything she wants in life.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Will and determination
- Pronunciation: oo-lah
- Variations: Ula
Veera
Veera is the Finnish form of Vera, a name that peaked in popularity in the 20th-century. Veera could provide a modern take on the name if you want to pay tribute to an older relative. Veera could also allow you to connect your daughter with your spiritual beliefs or religious faith.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Faith
- Pronunciation: Vee-rah
Venla
Venla is the Finnish feminine form of Wendell, making it a great option if you want to name your daughter after an older relative. Venla could also inspire your daughter to be a free spirit- to see the world and experience different cultures. If you imagine your daughter growing up with a taste for traveling, Venla is a lovely name choice.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: To travel
- Pronunciation: Ven-lah
- Namesakes: Venla Ronkainen, a Finnish actress, best known for the TV show Arctic Circle.
Vesa
Vesa is a cool, nature-inspired name perfect for your little sapling. Vesa could also inspire your daughter to grow up big and strong, with strong roots that can weather any storm.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Sapling or sprout
- Pronunciation: Ves-ah
Via
Although used in English to describe a waypoint in a journey, Via is a short form of Sylvia or Olivia. It’s a cute nickname-style name with an unusual sound. Via also has metaphysical meaning, which you can adjust to your interpretation. Whether you want your daughter to lead the way or she is simply your way of life, Via is an excellent name option.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: The way
- Pronunciation: Vee-ah
Vilja
While Vilja translates to “grain” in Finnish, it could be derived from Slavic mythology. The Merry Widow operetta includes “The Vilja’s Song,” which features a legendary maid who was independent and strong-willed. This creates a superb mystique around the name Vilja. Vilja could also be derived from Vila, a fairy or woodland spirit in Slavic myths.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Grain or fairy
- Pronunciation: Vil-yah
Yrsa
Yrsa is a unique option among Finnish girl names, derived from ancient Nordic. While it may have an unusual spelling, Yrsa is easy to pronounce and is similar to the long-form Ursula. If you want to inspire your daughter to be strong, independent, and protective, Yrsa is perfect.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Young she bear
- Pronunciation: Ur-sah
