emännänimi

Emännänimi is a Finnish term that literally translates to "hostess name" or "mistress name." Historically, it referred to a specific type of surname usage that was common among married women in Finland. When a woman married, she had the option of either keeping her maiden name or adopting her husband's surname. If she chose to adopt her husband's surname, she would sometimes use a hyphenated form, combining her maiden name with her husband's name, or in some cases, she would use her husband's name preceded by her maiden name without a hyphen. This practice of using one's maiden name in conjunction with or in place of a husband's name is what emännänimi describes.

The concept of emännänimi is closely tied to Finnish legal and social customs regarding marriage and surnames. While traditionally women often adopted their husband's name in many Western cultures, Finnish law has historically allowed for more flexibility. This flexibility is reflected in the emännänimi practice, which offered women a way to retain a connection to their familial identity while also acknowledging their marital status. Over time, the prevalence of emännänimi usage has varied, influenced by changing societal norms and legal reforms. Modern Finnish law further clarifies surname options for married couples, continuing the tradition of providing choices.