Tikanoja

Tikanoja is a Finnish surname of Finnish origin. The name is believed to derive from the word "tika," which can refer to a woodpecker or a peg, and the common suffix "-noja," often found in place names. As such, it is likely a toponymic surname, meaning it originated from a specific place.

The Tikanoja surname is most prevalent in Finland, particularly in the western and northern parts of the country. Like many Finnish surnames, it gained prominence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when a national movement encouraged Finns to adopt Finnish-sounding surnames, often replacing Swedish ones.

Notable individuals with the Tikanoja surname include Jaakko Tikanoja, a Finnish musician and composer known for his work in folk and popular music, and Matti Tikanoja, a former Finnish professional ice hockey player. The family name is not widely known internationally, suggesting a strong connection to Finnish culture and heritage. Further genealogical and historical research would be needed to trace the specific origins of the Tikanoja family name and its earliest bearers.