henkilönimen

Henkilönimi is a Finnish linguistic term for a personal name, the proper name used to identify a specific individual. In onomastics, henkilönimi covers the set of names assigned to people, distinguishing them from common nouns. A henkilönimi is usually composed of etunimi (given name) and sukunimi (family name). Many Finns also have one or more additional given names and may use a kutsumanimi (a nickname or preferred name) in informal contexts. Some people also use pseudonyms or stage names in certain social or professional settings; these can function as part of a person’s identity, but official records rely on the legal name.

Usage and forms: In everyday Finnish, the standard order is etunimi followed by sukunimi, for example Mikko Heikkinen. Surnames can be hyphenated or otherwise combined as double or compound surnames. Personal names are capitalized and inflected according to Finnish grammar; for instance, a genitive form shows relations such as Mikon ja Heikkisen auto (Mikko and Heikkinen’s car) in different constructions.

Registration and law: Names are recorded in the Population Information System. Name changes are possible through a legal procedure and may involve changing given names, surnames, or both under certain conditions. Naming practices reflect tradition, family history, and contemporary norms, including gender considerations and cultural influences.