Lisänimi

Lisänimi is a term in Finnish that refers to a secondary name applied to a person in addition to their official given name and surname. It functions as a form of identification or characterization and is typically informal, though it may appear in formal contexts such as biographies or media reporting. Lisänimi is closely related to nicknames (lempinimi) and to aliases or stage names; in everyday language it may be used to distinguish individuals who share a common name or to highlight notable traits, occupations, origins, or achievements. It is not a legally binding part of a person’s name.

In usage, lisänimi can be affectionate (for example given by family or friends as a playful title), descriptive (based on a physical trait, habit, origin, or achievement), or professional (a public figure’s stage name or moniker). In journalism and literature, lisänimet help readers recognize people with common names or create a memorable persona.

Etymologically, lisänimi comes from lisätä "to add" and nimi "name", literally "an added name". The term should be distinguished from etunimi (given name) and sukunimi (surname). See also lempinimi, alias, stage name.