Välisnimi

Välisnimi is a Finnish term describing a name that a person uses in foreign or international contexts that is not their legal given name or surname. It denotes an externally used or alternate name, typically adopted to aid pronunciation, recognition, or branding. The term is descriptive rather than a formal classification in Finnish law; it is not a separate registerable name like etunimi or sukunimi.

Common forms include anglicized given names, translations of a name, pseudonyms used for publishing or performance, or stage names used when working with international audiences. A välisnimi is usually used alongside the person's official name and may appear in professional contexts, on stage, in publications, or on websites and business cards. The choice of a välisnimi is often personal, cultural, or professional.

Legal considerations: In Finland, the legal name on official documents remains the settled etunimi and sukunimi; a välisnimi does not replace it. Individuals may use a foreign or alternate name in public life, but this does not change their legal identity. In other languages and cultures, similar concepts exist under terms such as alias, pseudonym, or stage name.