juha

Juha is a common Finnish masculine given name. It is predominantly used in Finland and among Finnish-speaking communities, where it has appeared in use since the early 20th century and remains familiar in contemporary times. The name is borne by various figures in public life, sports, and the arts, reflecting its broad appeal in Finnish society.

Notable bearers include Juha Kankkunen (born 1959), a former rally driver and four-time World Rally Champion; Juha Sipilä (born 1961), a businessman and former Prime Minister of Finland (2015–2019); and Juha Tapio (born 1974), a popular singer-songwriter. Other figures include athletes, politicians, and artists across Finland.

In literature and cinema, Juha is also a fictional character. The title character of the Finnish novel Juha by Juhani Aho is a central figure in Finnish classic literature. The story was later adapted for film in the 1999 Finnish drama Juha, directed by Aki Kaurismäki, which brought international attention to the name. The character and its adaptations are often cited in discussions of Finnish storytelling and national cinema.

Outside of Finland, Juha is far less common as a given name, though it appears among Finnish expatriate communities. The name’s retention in popular culture, as well as its presence in literature and film, helps keep it recognizable within Finnish heritage.