Otsikoinnit

Otsikoinnit, or "titling" in Finnish, refers to the practice of adding a suffix or prefix to a name, typically to indicate a person's occupation, relationship, or other distinguishing characteristics. This tradition is particularly prominent in Finnish culture and is used in both formal and informal contexts.

The most common type of otsikoinnit involves adding a suffix to a surname to denote a profession or role. For example, "-nen" or "-inen" may indicate a person's occupation, such as *Lähettäjänen* (a person who delivers mail) or *Kirvesmies* (a carpenter). In some cases, prefixes like *vanha-* (old) or *nuori-* (young) are used to distinguish between individuals with the same name, such as *Vanha-Pekka* (Old Pekka) and *Nuori-Pekka* (Young Pekka).

Otsikoinnit also appear in patronymic naming conventions, where a person’s father’s first name is incorporated into their surname. For instance, a person named *Matti* whose father is *Juhani* might be referred to as *Juhani-Matti*. This practice is less common today but was historically widespread.

In modern Finnish society, otsikoinnit are often used humorously or affectionately, particularly in informal settings. They can also serve a practical purpose, such as clarifying identity in large families or communities. While the tradition has declined in formal contexts, it remains a recognizable aspect of Finnish naming customs.