Hotakainen

Hotakainen is a Finnish surname. It is most commonly found in Finland among Finnish-speaking populations. The name follows a typical Finnish surname pattern with the -nen suffix, often derived from a place name or a personal name, though exact etymology can vary.

Notable people with the surname include Juha Hotakainen (born 1969), a Finnish writer and journalist. He is recognized as one of the country’s leading contemporary authors. His 2002 novel Juoksuhaudantie won the Finlandia Prize, Finland’s most prestigious literary award, and has been translated into several languages.

Today, Hotakainen is primarily associated with Finland, where the name is found most frequently. Outside Finland, bearers of the name are relatively uncommon, reflecting migration patterns and the dispersion of Finnish surnames. The surname remains a marker of Finnish linguistic and cultural heritage.