100 Common Finnish Surnames or Last Names With Meanings

Finland, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, also offers a fascinating collection of surnames. Finnish surnames often carry deep connections to nature, professions, locations, or characteristics, making them not only unique but also meaningful.

Whether you're exploring your Finnish ancestry, searching for a character name, or simply curious, this list of 100 common Finnish surnames or last names with meanings will give you a glimpse into the beauty and history of Finnish family names.

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The Origins of Finnish Surnames

Historically, Finnish surnames were influenced by nature, geography, and even occupations. Many names describe forests, lakes, animals, or specific traits. Over time, these surnames became a strong part of family identities, especially as surnames became hereditary in the 19th century.

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‎100 Common Finnish Surnames or Last Names With Meanings

1–20: Nature-Inspired Finnish Surnames

1. Korhonen – Possibly from "korho," meaning deaf or hard of hearing.

2. Virtanen – "Stream," symbolizing flowing water.

3. Mäkinen – "Little hill" or "small hill."

4. Nieminen – "Small peninsula."

5. Heikkinen – Derived from the name Heikki, meaning "home ruler."

6. Laine – "Wave," associated with the sea.

7. Koskinen – "Little rapids" or "small waterfall."

8. Hämäläinen – "Person from Häme" (a region in Finland).

9. Savolainen – "Person from Savo" (another Finnish region).

10. Ahonen – "Small field" or "clearing."

11. Lehtonen – "Small leaf."

12. Seppänen – Derived from "seppä," meaning blacksmith.

13. Salo – "Forest" or "grove."

14. Kallio – "Rock" or "cliff."

15. Aalto – "Wave" (similar to Laine, but broader usage).

16. Rautio – "Iron worker" or "iron smith."

17. Pitkänen – "Tall" or "long."

18. Halonen – Possibly from "halo," meaning frost or coolness.

19. Järvinen – "Small lake" or "related to a lake."

20. Peltonen – "Small field" or "farmland."

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21–40: Geographical and Locational Finnish Surnames

21. Koskela – "Place by the rapids."

22. Väisänen – Possibly derived from a place or old nickname.

23. Hirvonen – "Small moose" or "deer."

24. Saarinen – "Small island."

25. Räsänen – Derived from personal characteristics or location.

26. Peltola – "Field" or "farmland area."

27. Niskanen – "Small neck" or "ridge area."

28. Tuominen – From "tuomi," a bird cherry tree.

29. Kinnunen – Related to family or physical traits.

30. Paavola – "Village or place of Paavo" (a male name).

31. Mäkelä – "Place of the hill."

32. Holopainen – Possibly from an old nickname or location.

33. Salminen – "Small strait" or "narrow sea passage."

34. Kemppainen – Related to the name Kemppi, meaning fight or struggle.

35. Karjalainen – "Person from Karelia" (region between Finland and Russia).

36. Korpela – "Place of the wilderness."

37. Luoma – "Creation" or "man-made clearing."

38. Paananen – Related to wood planks or boards.

39. Uusitalo – "New house" or "new farm."

40. Koskimaa – "Land by the rapids."

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41–60: Animal and Nature-Themed Surnames

41. Anttila – "Farm of Antti" (Andrew).

42. Aaltonen – Derived from "aalto," meaning wave.

43. Siltanen – "Small bridge."

44. Vuori – "Mountain."

45. Rajala – "Border place."

46. Vainio – "Meadow."

47. Keto – "Glade" or "meadow."

48. Ojala – "Place near a ditch."

49. Rautakoski – "Iron rapids."

50. Haapala – "Aspen grove."

51. Kiuru – "Skylark" (a type of bird).

52. Pohjonen – "North" or "northern."

53. Koskinen – "Small rapids."

54. Tammela – "Place of oak trees."

55. Mustonen – "Small dark one" or "black."

56. Lampi – "Pond."

57. Pajunen – "Small willow."

58. Lintula – "Bird place."

59. Niemi – "Peninsula."

60. Ranta – "Shore."

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61–80: Surnames Derived from Occupations and Characteristics

61. Seppälä – "Smith's place."

62. Laurila – "Place of Lauri" (name meaning "victory").

63. Mattila – "Farm of Matti" (Matthew).

64. Hakala – "Field at the edge of the forest."

65. Penttilä – "Farm of Pentti" (name meaning "blessed").

66. Toivonen – "Small hope."

67. Auvinen – Related to "auvo," meaning bliss or happiness.

68. Haavisto – "Aspen grove place."

69. Salovaara – "Wilderness hill."

70. Leppänen – "Small alder tree."

71. Katajainen – "Juniper-like," strong and resilient.

72. Turunen – Old family name with uncertain meaning.

73. Vartiainen – "Guard" or "watchman."

74. Lassila – "Place of Lassi" (short for Lauri).

75. Paajanen – Possibly "little end" or "edge."

76. Aaltonen – "Descendant of waves."

77. Oksanen – "Small branch."

78. Savinen – "Clay-like" or "clay area."

79. Kangas – "Fabric" or "textile," also refers to terrain.

80. Heinonen – "Small hayfield."

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81–100: Modern and Popular Finnish Surnames

81. Salmi – "Strait" or "channel."

82. Rinne – "Slope" or "hillside."

83. Vuorinen – "Small mountain."

84. Puranen – "Place of blowing wind."

85. Lindholm – "Linden island."

86. Forsman – "Man of the rapids."

87. Bergman – "Mountain man."

88. Blomqvist – "Flower branch."

89. Sundström – "Stream of the sound" (fjord or bay area).

90. Backman – "Man of the hill."

91. Grönroos – "Green rose."

92. Aalberg – "Mountain of waves."

93. Lilja – "Lily flower."

94. Sundberg – "Sun mountain."

95. Strömberg – "Stream mountain."

96. Vikman – "Bay man."

97. Fagerström – "Beautiful stream."

98. Granlund – "Spruce grove."

99. Östman – "East man."

100. Hedman – "Man of the heath" (open field).

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Final Thoughts

Finnish surnames tell stories of landscapes, traditions, and the resilience of a proud people. Whether tied to the lakes, forests, or professions, these names hold a special place in Finnish culture.

We hope this list of 100 common Finnish surnames or last names with meanings helps you appreciate the beautiful heritage behind each name.

If you’re tracing your ancestry or simply searching for inspiration, these names offer a window into Finland’s rich history and soul.