Find out how popular the first name Ainoa has been for the last 7 years (from 2018 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ainoa by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Ainoa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 12 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ainoa.

The history of the first name Ainoa

The name Ainoa has its roots in the Finnish language and culture, dating back to the early modern period in the region now known as Finland. It is derived from the Finnish word "ainoa," which means "only" or "unique." This suggests that the name was initially given to children who were the sole offspring or the only child in a family.

One of the earliest known references to the name Ainoa can be found in the Kalevala, the famous epic poem that preserves the ancient folklore and mythology of the Finnish people. In this work, Ainoa is mentioned as the name of a character, though it is not clear if this was a real person or a symbolic figure.

The first recorded individual with the name Ainoa was Ainoa Pohjalainen, born in 1654 in Vaasa, Finland. She was a farmer's daughter and is noted in local parish records for her exceptional skills in weaving and embroidery.

In the 18th century, Ainoa Kristiina Pitkänen (1732-1812) gained recognition as a skilled herbalist and healer in the village of Kesälahti. Her knowledge of traditional Finnish remedies and medicinal plants was widely sought after, and she was considered a respected figure in her community.

During the 19th century, Ainoa Kaarina Leppänen (1841-1922) made a name for herself as a prominent educator and advocate for women's rights in Finland. She founded one of the first schools for girls in Helsinki and campaigned tirelessly for equal opportunities in education and employment for women.

Another notable figure was Ainoa Liisa Virtanen (1876-1958), a pioneering Finnish artist and sculptor. Her works, often inspired by nature and Finnish folklore, are celebrated for their unique style and representation of the country's cultural heritage.

In the early 20th century, Ainoa Emilia Jämsä (1902-1989) became a respected author and poet, known for her lyrical depictions of the Finnish landscape and rural life. Her poetry collections, such as "Kotirannan kuiskaus" (Whispers from the Home Shore), received critical acclaim and influenced generations of Finnish writers.

While the name Ainoa was traditionally more common in Finland, it has occasionally been used in other Nordic countries and regions with Finnish cultural influences. However, its usage has remained relatively rare outside of Finland and Finnish-speaking communities.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ainoa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ainoa, please contact us.

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