päänimi

Päänimi is a Finnish term that translates to "head name" or "main name" and is most commonly used in the context of personal names. It refers to the primary given name of an individual, as opposed to any middle names or surnames. In Finnish naming conventions, individuals typically have one or more given names followed by a surname. The päänimi is the first of these given names.

The concept of a päänimi is important for official documentation, such as identification cards and passports, where the first given name is often listed as the primary identifier. While Finnish law allows for multiple given names, the päänimi holds a distinct position in how a person is formally addressed and recognized. For example, if someone's full name is Matti Juhani Virtanen, Matti would be considered the päänimi.

In everyday conversation, while all given names might be used, the päänimi is often the name by which a person is most commonly known. This is similar to the concept of a "first name" in many other cultures. Understanding the distinction between päänimi and other parts of a name is crucial for navigating Finnish administrative systems and social interactions. The term itself emphasizes the singular importance of the initial given name within the overall structure of a person's name.