Laakso

Laakso is a Finnish surname and a toponym. The word laakso means valley in Finnish, and the name most likely originated as a habitational surname for people who lived near a valley or in a valley-associated landscape. As a place-name element, Laakso appears in various Finnish locality names, reflecting the common geographical feature.

Geographically, the surname is most prevalent in Finland and among Finnish-speaking communities abroad. The spelling with a double a follows standard Finnish orthography and typically does not vary by region. In addition to its use as a surname, Laakso can function as part of a place name, describing a valley-related location or landscape feature.

In contemporary usage, Laakso is primarily encountered as a family name. Individuals bearing the surname have contributed across many fields, including sports, science, and the arts, reflecting its broad presence in Finnish society. The name may also appear in fictional works or media to evoke a Finnish setting, leveraging its clear linguistic meaning.

See also: Laakso (disambiguation) for lists of places and people associated with the name.