Finnish Baby Names with Pronunciation by a Native Speaker

Ever wondered how Finnish names really sound? While many lists of Finnish names exist online, few include audio recordings by a native speaker—that’s exactly what this post offers!

In this blog, I share real stories from Finland and related audio files to boost your Finnish.

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Why I Decided to Read Finnish Names Out Loud

Every now and then, people ask on internet forums about Finnish names, especially if they want to honor their Finnish roots by choosing one for their child.

While there are many lists out there, I’ve noticed a lack of recordings where a native Finnish speaker actually pronounces the names in a truly Finnish way. So I decided to create this post!

Just like in many countries, some names go in and out of fashion in Finland. A name that was popular decades ago might sound old-fashioned now… until it becomes trendy again.

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Name Popularity Example

For example, I was born in 1983. My name, Marika, was already rare then.

According to the Finnish Population Register Centre, the name peaked in the 1970s when 12,000 girls were named Marika.

Since then, its popularity has steadily declined: between 2000 and 2025, only 1,597 girls received the name. That’s quite low for a 25-year span!

Tip: If you want a rare yet Finnish name, consider naming your child Marika. 😉

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Most Popular Finnish Names in the 1980s

Listen to the most common girls' and boys' names in 1980s Finland:

Girls

I read five names at a time. You can find the next five in a separate audio file.

• Tiina

• Sari

• Anna

• Laura

• Katja

Next five:

• Jenni

• Johanna

• Minna

• Heidi

• Mari

Boys:

• Mikko

• Juha

• Janne

• Antti

• Petri

• Timo

• Jari

• Sami

• Marko

• Jussi

These 80s names are quite different from the most popular ones among Finnish-speaking children today:

Trendy Finnish Names in 2024

Girls:

• Olivia

• Aino

• Linnea

• Sofia

• Isla

Boys:

• Oliver

• Eino

• Väinö

• Leo

• Elias

This shows how names cycle over time: in my childhood, names like Eino and Väinö were considered "old men's names." Now they’re back in style.

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Finnish Nature-Inspired Names For Girls

Here are some beautiful nature-related Finnish names for girls, five at a time:

• Aamu – /ˈɑːmu/ – "Morning"; symbolizes the fresh beginning of a day in nature.

• Ilta – /ˈiltɑ/ – "Evening"; peaceful time of day as nature winds down.

• Lumi – /ˈlumi/ – "Snow"; associated with purity, winter, and peaceful landscapes.

• Tuuli – /ˈtuːli/ – "Wind"; represents freedom, movement, and natural energy.

• Helmi – /ˈhelmɪ/ – "Pearl"; a natural gem, symbolizing beauty and rarity.

• Sade – /ˈsɑde/ – "Rain"; represents calm, refreshment, and growth.

• Säde – /ˈsæde/ – "Ray (of light)"; connected to sunshine, brightness, and warmth.

• Minttu – /ˈmintːu/ – "Mint"; fragrant herb with freshness and healing associations.

• Vilja – /ˈʋiljɑ/ – "Grain"; symbol of harvest and abundance.

• Meri – /ˈmeri/ – "Sea"; symbolizes openness, depth, and strength.

• Lilja – /ˈliljɑ/ – "Lily"; delicate flower representing innocence and grace.

• Orvokki – /ˈorʋokːi/ – "Violet"; flower symbolizing modesty and charm.

• Pihla – /ˈpihlɑ/ – From “pihlaja” (rowan tree); associated with protection and beauty.

• Kerttu – /ˈkertːu/ – From "kerttu" (warbler); bird name associated with song and summer.

• Marja – /ˈmɑrjɑ/ – "Berry"; tied to Finnish forests and sweet natural treats.

• Vuokko – /ˈʋuokːo/ – Spring flower (wood anemone); symbol of early spring and renewal.

• Suvi – /ˈsuʋi/ – "Summer"; represents light, warmth, and freedom.

• Saana – /ˈsɑːnɑ/ – Name of a fell in Lapland; peaceful and majestic nature name.

• Pilvi – /ˈpilʋi/ – "Cloud"; evokes softness, sky, and imagination.

• Pinja – /ˈpinjɑ/ – Derived from "pine"; forest-related, symbol of strength and resilience.

Finnish Nature-Inspired Boy Names

And here are nature-related Finnish names for boys, four at a time:

• Ukko – /ˈukːo/ – Thunder god in Finnish mythology; symbolizes power and nature’s force.

• Otso – /ˈotso/ – Old word for “bear”; symbol of strength and forest spirit.

• Aarni – /ˈɑːrni/ – Mythical forest guardian in Finnish folklore.

• Jalo – /ˈjɑlo/ – "Noble"; can imply noble character or animal.

• Sampo – /ˈsɑmpo/ – Mythical object in Kalevala; linked to natural prosperity and power.

• Kuura – /ˈkuːrɑ/ – "Frost"; delicate ice layer, often seen in autumn or winter.

• Pyry – /ˈpyrY/ – "Blizzard" or "snowstorm"; evokes powerful wintry energy.

• Touko – /ˈtouko/ – "May" or "sowing month"; connected to growth and planting season.

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Finnish Names That Sound Familiar Internationally

There are names with clear Finnish pronunciation that are still internationally familiar:

Girls:

• Anna

• Ella

• Emma

• Sara

• Maria

Boys:

• Leo

• Niko

• Elias

• Samuel

• Joel

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This Was Fun To Do!

I wanted to give you a unique opportunity to hear Finnish names pronounced by a native speaker: Something that’s missing from most name lists online.

Share this post with someone looking for a beautiful and meaningful Finnish name!

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