Baby Naming in Finland: A Beautiful Cultural Tradition

Choosing a name for a baby is always special, but in Finland, it comes with beautiful traditions and a little bit of suspense! For children learning about Finnish culture, discovering how names are chosen and celebrated can be a fun way to connect with the language.

When Do Finnish Babies Get Their Names?

In Finland, parents are required to choose a first name for their baby within two months of birth. However, it’s common for families to wait until the christening ceremony, which usually happens when the baby is around 1.5 months old. Until then, parents often use a sweet nickname and keep everyone guessing!

This tradition turns name-giving into a joyful surprise, especially for siblings and extended family. Imagine the excitement of waiting to hear your little cousin’s real name!

What Kind of Names Are Popular in Finland?

Finns love names that blend tradition and modernity. Many parents give their children up to three first names, often combining an older name with a more modern one. Some names come from Finnish mythology, others are biblical, and some are simply chosen because of their beautiful meanings.

Currently popular names for girls include:

• Sofia (inspired by Sophie)
• Aino
• Venla
• Aada
• Emma

For boys, common choices are:

• Elias
• Leo
• Onni
• Eetu
• Aleksi

Fun fact: Many names have meanings! For example:

• Satu means “fairy tale”
• Helmi means “pearl”

These beautiful meanings often help children feel connected to their culture from a very young age.

What Are the Most Common Finnish Names?

If we look at the names of all people in Finland today, the most common names are:

• Girls: Maria, Helena, Johanna
• Boys: Juhani, Johannes, Olavi

Some of these are Finnish versions of international or biblical names, while others come from Finnish folklore and history.

Name Days: A Mini Birthday Celebration

One of the most unique Finnish traditions is celebrating name days! Almost every Finnish name appears in the official Finnish name calendar, which is updated every five years. If a name is given to at least 500 people, it may be added to the calendar.

On their name day, children may receive small gifts, treats, or even a party—just like a second birthday! If a child’s name isn’t listed in the calendar, they can still celebrate using one of their other names or pick a fun new date.

Learning about name days is a great way to help kids feel excited about Finnish culture and understand how names can be celebrated as part of a bigger tradition.

Learn Finnish with Dinolingo

If your child wants to learn more about Finland, its names, and its language, Dinolingo is the perfect place to start. Dinolingo offers Finnish lessons designed just for kids, with fun activities, songs, and stories. Whether your child is 2 or 14, they can explore Finnish at their own pace using web, iOS, or Android apps. The platform also includes offline materials, gamified progress, and a helpful parent dashboard to follow learning.