# List of Finns

This is a list of historical and living Finns (including ethnic Finns and people of full or partial Finnish ancestry) who are famous or notable.
Finland is a Nordic country located between Sweden, Norway and Russia.

## Actors and actresses

* Ida Aalberg (1858–1915)
* Jouko Ahola
* Joalin Loukamaa
* Olavi Ahonen
* Irina Björklund
* Anna Easteden
* Samuli Edelmann
* Peter Franzén
* George Gaynes (1927–2019)
* Gina Goldberg
* Beat-Sofi Granqvist (1869 – 1960)
* Ville Haapasalo
* Anna-Leena Härkönen
* Ansa Ikonen
* Anni-Kristiina Juuso
* Kata Kärkkäinen
* Krista Kosonen
* Marta Kristen
* Mikko Leppilampi
* Vesa-Matti Loiri
* Masa Niemi
* Maila "Vampira" Nurmi
* Kati Outinen
* Jasper Pääkkönen
* Turo Pajala
* Tauno Palo (1905–1982)
* Pertti "Spede" Pasanen (1930–2001)
* Matti Pellonpää (1951–1995)
* Lasse Pöysti
* Oiva Sala
* Pentti Siimes
* Maria Silfvan (1800–1865) – possibly Finland's first actress
* Markku Toikka

## Architects

* Aino Aalto (1894–1949)
* Alvar Aalto (1898–1976)
* Marco Casagrande (born 1971)
* Herman Gesellius (1874–1916)
* Elna Kiljander (1889–1970)
* Juha Leiviskä (born 1936)
* Yrjö Lindegren (1900–1952)
* Armas Lindgren (1874–1929)
* Wivi Lönn (1872–1966)
* Juhani Pallasmaa (born 1936)
* Reima Pietilä (1923–1993)
* Viljo Revell (1910–1964)
* Aarno Ruusuvuori (1925–1992)
* Kerttu Rytkönen (1895–1991)
* Eero Saarinen (1910–1961)
* Eliel Saarinen (1873–1950)
* J. S. Sirén (1889–1961)
* Lars Sonck (1870–1956)
* Josef Stenbäck (1854–1929)
* Uno Ullberg (1879–1944)
* Martti Välikangas (1893–1973)

## Visual artists

* Wäinö Aaltonen – sculptor (1894–1966)
* Eija-Liisa Ahtila – photographer, video artist (born 1959)
* Helena Arnell – painter (1697–1751)
* Margareta Capsia – painter (1682–1759)
* Emil Cedercreutz – sculptor (1879–1949)
* Albert Edelfelt – painter (1854–1905)
* Magnus Enckell – painter (1870–1925)
* Gunnar Finne – sculptor (1886–1952)
* Hilda Flodin – sculptor (1877–1958)
* Alina Forsman – sculptor (1845–1899)
* Akseli Gallen-Kallela – painter (1865–1931)
* Jorma Gallen-Kallela – painter (1898–1939)
* Eemil Halonen – sculptor (1875–1950)
* Pekka Halonen – painter (1865–1933)
* Edith Hammar – illustrator and cartoonist (born 1992)
* Edvin Hevonkoski – sculptor (1923–2009)
* Eila Hiltunen – sculptor (1922–2003)
* Kari Huhtamo – sculptor (born 1943)
* Tuuli Hypén – cartoonist (born 1983)
* Tove Jansson – painter, illustrator, and cartoonist of Moomin (1914–2001)
* Viktor Jansson – sculptor (1886–1958)
* Antti Jokinen – video director in Hollywood (born 1968)
* Eero Järnefelt – painter (1863–1937)
* Ville Juurikkala – photographer (born 1980)
* Rudolf Koivu – illustrator (1890–1946)
* Mauri Kunnas (born 1950)
* Touko Laaksonen (Tom of Finland) – fetish artist (1920–1991)
* Kari T. Leppänen – cartoonist (born 1945)
* Sven Lokka – painter and writer (1924-2008)
* Otto Maja – graffiti artist (born 1987)
* Totte Mannes – painter (born 1933)
* Arno Rafael Minkkinen – photographer
* Helvi Mustonen – painter (born 1947)
* Kalervo Palsa – painter (1947–1987)
* Tuulikki Pietilä – graphic artist (1917–2009)
* Walter Runeberg – sculptor (1838–1920)
* Sampsa – painter and street artist
* Helene Schjerfbeck – painter (1862–1946)
* Hugo Simberg – painter (1873–1917)
* Venny Soldan-Brofeldt – painter (1863–1945)
* Kaj Stenvall – painter (born 1951)
* Kari Suomalainen – painter and cartoonist (1920–1999)
* Reidar Särestöniemi – painter (1925–1981)
* Kain Tapper – sculptor (1930–2004)
* Ellen Thesleff – painter (1869–1954)
* Salla Tykkä
* Ville Vallgren – sculptor (1855–1940)
* Marja Vallila – sculptor (born 1950)

## Business people

* Sari Baldauf – former Nokia executive
* Wilhelm Schauman – industrialist
* Jorma Eloranta [fi] – CEO of Metso (2004-2011)
* Aatos Erkko – minister, billionaire and major owner of Sanoma
* Maija-Liisa Friman (born 1952) – board member of several companies
* Harry Harkimo – businessman in ice hockey business
* Antti Herlin – chairman of the board of KONE, the richest man in Finland with assets worth over 1 billion euros in KONE stock owned through his holding companies
* Sara Hildén (1905–1993) – businesswoman and art collector
* Fredrik Idestam – industrialist and founder of Nokia
* Kari Kairamo – former CEO of Nokia (1932–1988)
* Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo – former CEO of Nokia
* Jorma Ollila – former CEO of Nokia, Chairman of Royal Dutch Shell
* Kirsti Paakkanen – former CEO of Marimekko
* Kaj-Erik Relander – businessman and investor, former CEO of Sonera (Telia Finland)
* Jaana Tuominen – CEO of Paulig (born 1960)
* Björn Wahlroos – Chairman of Sampo
* Rudolf Walden (1878–1946) – founder of United Paper Mills
* Poju Zabludowicz – billionaire, philanthropist, and owner of Tamares Group

## Computer pioneers

* Johan Helsingius – creator and operator of The Penet remailer
* Aapo Kyrölä – creator of Sulake
* Jarkko Oikarinen – creator of Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
* Linus Torvalds – initial creator of Linux kernel
* Michael Widenius – creator of MySQL
* Tatu Ylönen – creator of SSH

## Designers

* Eero Rislakki
* Eero Aarnio
* Erik Bruun
* Kaj Franck
* Maija Isola
* Valto Kokko
* Stefan Lindfors
* Vuokko Nurmesniemi
* Katja Pettersson
* Timo Sarpaneva
* Esteri Tomula
* Tapio Wirkkala

## Filmmakers

* Zaida Bergroth
* Anna Eriksson
* Renny Harlin
* Klaus Härö
* Erkki Karu (1887–1935)
* Dome Karukoski
* Aki Kaurismäki
* Mika Kaurismäki
* Ere Kokkonen (1938–2008)
* Juho Kuosmanen
* Edvin Laine (1905–1989)
* Glory Leppänen (1901–1979)
* Aku Louhimies
* Risto Orko (1899–2001)
* Spede Pasanen (1930–2001)
* Diana Ringo
* Teuvo Tulio (1912–2000)
* Valentin Vaala (1909–1976)
* Johanna Vuoksenmaa
* Timo Vuorensola

## Musicians
### Classical

* Kalevi Aho – composer
* Paavo Berglund – conductor
* Linda Brava – violinist
* Mikko Franck – conductor
* Ralf Gothóni – pianist (father of Maris)
* Ilkka Kuusisto – composer
* Pekka Kuusisto – conductor, violinist, composer
* Jaakko Kuusisto – conductor, violinist, composer
* Risto Lauriala – pianist
* Hannu Lintu – conductor
* Klaus Mäkelä – conductor, cellist
* Janne Mertanen – pianist
* Olli Mustonen – pianist, composer
* Sakari Oramo – conductor
* Selim Palmgren – composer, pianist, conductor
* Jorma Panula – conductor and conducting educator pioneer
* Einojuhani Rautavaara – composer
* Herman Rechberger – composer
* Santtu-Matias Rouvali – conductor, percussionist
* Kaija Saariaho – composer
* Esa-Pekka Salonen – conductor, composer
* Jukka-Pekka Saraste – conductor
* Jean Sibelius – composer
* Dalia Stasevska – conductor
* John Storgårds – conductor
* Elina Vähälä – violinist
* Osmo Vänskä – conductor, composer, clarinetist
* Sauli Zinovjev – composer
* Diana Ringo – composer

### Electronic

* Miika Eloranta & Janne Mansnerus – musicians, producers (as Super8 & Tab)
* Paavo Siljamäki – DJ and producer; part of a Trance music group Above & Beyond
* Jori Hulkkonen – DJ, musician, producer
* Petri Kuljuntausta – composer, musician
* Erkki Kurenniemi – musician, inventor
* Lassi Lehto a.k.a. Jimi Tenor – acid jazz musician
* Lassi Nikko a.k.a. Brothomstates a.k.a. Dune – musician
* Sasu Ripatti a.k.a. Vladislav Delay – musician, DJ
* Esa Juhani Ruoho a.k.a. Lackluster – musician
* Jaakko Salovaara a.k.a. JS16 – musician, producer
* Mika Vainio – musician, member of Pan Sonic
* Ville Virtanen a.k.a. Darude
* Ilpo Väisänen – musician, member of Pan Sonic
* Heidi Kilpeläinen – multimedia artist, singer and recording artist, known by the stage name HK119
* Diana Ringo – composer

### Folk

* Islaja – acid folk singer
* Konsta Jylhä – folk musician
* Maria Kalaniemi – folk music accordion player
* Sanna Kurki-Suonio – folk music singer
* Lau Nau – acid folk singer
* Gösta Sundqvist – folk music singer, Leevi and the Leavings' singer
* Jenny Wilhelms – folk music singer

### Metal

* Marko Hietala – bassist and backing vocalist of Nightwish, main vocalist and co-founding member of Tarot
* Zachary Hietala – guitarist and co-founding member of Tarot
* Sami Hinkka – bassist and lyricist of Ensiferum
* Esa Holopainen – Main songwriter, current lead guitarist, and founding member of the Finnish metal band Amorphis
* Tuomas Holopainen – composer, songwriter, keyboardplayer and founding member of Nightwish
* Jan Jämsen – ex-vocalist and current lyricist of folk metal band Finntroll
* Tomi Joutsen – lead singer of Amorphis
* Tony Kakko – vocalist, composer and songwriter of Sonata Arctica
* Jari Kainulainen – ex-bassist of Stratovarius
* Antti Boman – guitarist and vocalist of death metal band Demilich
* Perttu Kivilaakso – cellist of cello-metal band Apocalyptica
* Timo Kotipelto – lead singer of Stratovarius
* Ville Laihiala – frontman of Sentenced and Poisonblack
* Alexi Laiho – frontman and lead guitarist of Children of Bodom
* Roope Latvala – guitarist of Children of Bodom
* Jani Liimatainen – former guitarist for Sonata Arctica
* Petri Lindroos – guitarist and main vocalist of Ensiferum and formerly Norther
* Jari Mäenpää – composer, singer and guitarist of Ensiferum and Wintersun
* Jukka Nevalainen – drummer of Nightwish
* Anne Nurmi – vocalist and keyboard player of Lacrimosa
* Janne Parviainen – drummer of Ensiferum, Sinergy and Barathrum
* Tomi Putaansuu – frontman and singer of Lordi
* Jaska Raatikainen – drummer for Children of Bodom
* Sami Raatikainen – guitarist for Necrophagist
* Henkka Seppälä – bassist for Children of Bodom
* Emmi Silvennoinen – keyboardist of Ensiferum
* Jani Stefanovic – guitarist, drummer, keyboardist, and bassist for Miseration and Solution .45, formerly of Crimson Moonlight and Renascent
* Markus Toivonen – founder, guitarist, songwriter and backing vocalist of Ensiferum
* Timo Tolkki – guitarist and ex-singer of Stratovarius
* Eicca Toppinen – cellist of cello-metal band Apocalyptica
* Emppu Vuorinen – guitarist of Nightwish
* Janne Wirman – keyboard player of Children of Bodom

### Opera

* Emmy Achté (1876–1924) – mezzo-soprano
* Aino Ackté (1876–1944) – soprano
* Ida Basilier-Magelssen (1846–1928) – soprano
* Kim Borg (1919–2000) – bass
* Monica Groop (born 1958) – mezzo-soprano
* Alma Fohström (1856–1936) – soprano
* Elin Fohström (1868–1949) – soprano
* Jorma Hynninen (born 1941) – baritone
* Soile Isokoski (born 1957) – soprano
* Tom Krause (1934–2013) – bass-baritone
* Karita Mattila (born 1960) – soprano
* Matti Salminen (born 1945) – bass
* Martti Talvela (1935–1989) – bass
* Tarja Turunen (born 1977) – soprano

### Other
#### A–M

* Jonne Aaron – frontman of Negative
* Ismo Alanko – rock musician
* Jukka Ammondt – literature professor and musician who has recorded songs of Elvis Presley in Latin and Sumerian.
* Nikke Ankara – rap musician
* Mikko Aspa – lead singer of Deathspell Omega and owner of Northern Heritage label
* Kirill Babitzin (1950–2007)
* Maximilian Theodor Buch – historic academic and nationalist
* Carola – jazz and pop singer
* Elastinen – rap musician, half of the rap duo Fintelligens
* Cheek – rap musician, broke many Spotify records in Finland
* Irwin Goodman a.k.a. Antti Hammarberg (1943–1991) – protest singer
* Sara Forsberg a.k.a. SAARA – Swedish-Finnish American
* Samu Haber – singer and guitarist from Sunrise Avenue, solo singer-songwriter and tv music competition judge
* Aki Hakala – drummer of The Rasmus
* Hector
* Lasse Heikkilä – composer, songwriter, producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist
* Eero Heinonen – bassist of The Rasmus
* Reino Helismaa (1913–1965)
* Janita – soul, pop, and alternative singer-songwriter
* Tomi Joutsen – lead singer of Amorphis
* Markus Kaarlonen – "Captain" keyboardist and producer of rock band Poets of the Fall
* Maria Kalaniemi
* Mika Karppinen – drummer from the band HIM
* Viktor Klimenko
* Samuli Kosminen
* Sakari Kukko
* Mikko Kuustonen – singer-songwriter
* Hildá Länsman (born 1993) – Sámi pop singer
* Juice Leskinen – rock musician
* Mikko Lindström – guitarist from the band HIM
* Jyrki Linnankivi – lead singer of the 69 Eyes
* Jaska Makinen – rhythm guitarist of rock band Poets of the Fall
* Tommy Mansikka-Aho
* Jarkko Martikainen
* Andy McCoy – former guitarist of Hanoi Rocks, rock musician
* Michael Monroe – former singer of Hanoi Rocks, rock musician
* Käärijä a.k.a. Jere Mikael Pöyhönen – rap musician and Finland's representative in Eurovision Song Contest 2023

#### N–Z

* Sara Nunes – singer
* Tuomari Nurmio
* Harri Nuutinen
* Mikko Paananen – bass player for the rock band HIM
* Olga Oinola (1865–1949) – President of the Finnish Women Association
* Hanna Pakarinen – Finland's first Idols winner, pop singer
* Paleface – rap musician
* Maukka Perusjätkä – punk rocker
* Mika Pohjola – jazz pianist and composer
* Pekka Pohjola
* Kimmo Pohjonen
* Lauri Porra
* Janne Puurtinen – keyboard player from the band HIM
* Iiro Rantala
* Riku Rajamaa – lead guitarist and background singer from Sunrise Avenue, also active as a singer-songwriter
* Pauli Rantasalmi – guitarist of The Rasmus
* Tapio Rautavaara
* Marko Saaresto – lyricist, lead singer of rock band Poets of the Fall
* Jari Salminen – drummer of rock band Poets of the Fall
* Jari Sillanpää – Finnish "tango king", singer
* Sir Christus – former guitarist for the band Negative
* Aki Sirkesalo (1962–2004) – singer
* Jani "Hellboy" Snellman – bass guitarist of rock band Poets of the Fall
* Kyllikki Solanterä (1908–1965) – popular singer, vocal teacher and lyricist
* Topi Sorsakoski – schlager and rock'n'roll singer
* Gösta Sundqvist
* Jonna Tervomaa – pop singer
* Jukka Tolonen
* Antti Tuisku – pop musician, Idols star
* Olli Tukiainen – lead guitarist of rock band Poets of the Fall
* Tellu Turkka
* Tarja Turunen – former lead singer of the symphonic metal band Nightwish
* Petri Walli (1969–1995)
* Juha Watt Vainio
* Ville Valo – lead singer of HIM
* Edward Vesala (1945–1999) – jazz musician, composer, drummer
* Jussi Heikki Tapio Vuori – drummer of the 69 Eyes
* Olavi Virta – singer
* Laura Voutilainen – pop singer
* Maija Vilkkumaa – pop/rock singer
* Lauri Ylönen – lead singer of The Rasmus
* A. W. Yrjänä – rock singer, bass guitarist, songwriter, poet

## Musical groups

* The 69 Eyes
* Amorphis
* Apocalyptica
* Apulanta
* Blind Channel
* Bomfunk MC’s
* Children Of Bodom
* Darude
* HIM
* Lordi
* Nightwish
* Nylon Beat
* PMMP
* Poets of the Fall
* The Rasmus
* Sonata Arctica
* Stam1na
* Stratovarius

## Philosophers

* Timo Airaksinen
* Lili Alanen
* Anders Chydenius
* Arto Haapala
* Jaakko Hintikka
* Pekka Himanen
* Matti Häyry
* Eino Kaila
* Raili Kauppi
* S. Albert Kivinen
* Pentti Linkola
* Eeva-Liisa Manner
* Ilkka Niiniluoto
* Esa Saarinen
* J. V. Snellman
* Eero Tarasti
* Raimo Tuomela
* Thomas Wallgren
* Edward Westermarck
* Georg Henrik von Wright

## Politicians

* Esko Aho – prime minister 1991–1995
* Martti Ahtisaari – United Nations diplomat and mediator; Nobel Peace Prize winner; president of Finland 1994–2000
* Karl-August Fagerholm – politician (1901–1984)
* Tarja Halonen – First female president of Finland, 2000–2012
* Satu Hassi – MEP
* Heidi Hautala – MEP
* Harri Holkeri – prime minister and UN diplomat
* Ville Itälä – MEP
* Max Jakobson – UN diplomat
* Anneli Jäätteenmäki – prime minister 2003
* Kyösti Kallio – president of Finland 1937–1940 (1873–1940)
* Urho Kekkonen – president of Finland 1956–1982 (1900–1986)
* Mari Kiviniemi – prime minister 2010–2011
* Mauno Koivisto – president of Finland 1982–1994
* Aleksander von Kothen – senator
* Hertta Kuusinen – communist politician (1904–1974)
* Otto Ville Kuusinen – head of the communist Terijoki Government, later Soviet politician (1881–1964)
* Axel Lille – founder of the Swedish People's Party (1848–1921)
* Paavo Lipponen – prime minister 1995–2003, the first speaker of the Finnish Parliament 2003–2007
* Maria Lohela – speaker of the Finnish Parliament 2015–2018
* Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim – commander-in-chief, regent, president 1944–1946 (1867–1951)
* Sanna Marin – prime minister 2019–2023
* Martti Miettunen – prime minister 1961–1962 and 1975–1977
* Sauli Niinistö – president of Finland 2012–
* Juho Kusti Paasikivi – president of Finland 1946–1956 (1870–1956)
* Lauri Kristian Relander – president of Finland 1925–1931 (1883–1942)
* Elisabeth Rehn – politician
* Olli Rehn – commissioner and vice-president of the European Commission
* Heikki Ritavuori – assassinated minister (1880–1922)
* Risto Ryti – president of Finland 1940–1944 (1889–1956)
* Miina Sillanpää – minister
* Taisto Sinisalo – communist politician
* Helvi Sipilä – UN diplomat
* Juha Sipilä – prime minister 2015–2019
* Johan Vilhelm Snellman – writer and senator (1806–1881)
* Osmo Soininvaara – minister
* Kalevi Sorsa – prime minister (1930–2004)
* Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg – president of Finland 1919–1925 (1865–1952)
* Ulf Sundqvist
* Pehr Evind Svinhufvud – regent and president of Finland 1931–1937 (1861–1944)
* Väinö Tanner – prime minister 1926–1927 (1881–1966)
* Oskari Tokoi – prime minister 1917 (1873–1963)
* Erkki Tuomioja – foreign minister (2000–2007)
* Martti Turunen – Japanese Diet member of Finnish origin 2001–
* Matti Vanhanen – prime minister 2003–2010
* Johannes Virolainen – prime minister in 1964–1966 (1914–2000)
* Hella Wuolijoki – parliamentarian, writer (1886–1954)

## Scientists

* Lars Valerian Ahlfors – mathematician, Fields Medalist 1936 (1907–1996)
* Väinö Auer – explorer, geologist, geographer (1895–1981)
* Matthias Castren – ethnologist (1813–1852)
* Anders Chydenius – classical liberal (1729–1803)
* Kari Enqvist – cosmologist
* Teppo Felin – professor at the University of Oxford
* Johan Gadolin – chemist (1760–1852)
* Ragnar Granit – medicine, Nobelist (1900–1991)
* Hilma Granqvist – anthropologist (1890–1972)
* Ilkka Hanski – Crafoord Prize winning ecologist (1953–2016)
* Bengt Holmström – economist, Nobelist (1949–)
* Kimmo Innanen – astronomer (1937–2011)
* Pehr Kalm – botanist (1716–1779)
* Teuvo Kohonen – neurocomputing pioneer (1934–)
* Anders Johan Lexell – mathematician, astronomer (1740–1784)
* Ernst Lindelöf – mathematician, researcher of function theory and topology (1870–1946)
* Olli Lounasmaa – physicist, researcher of low-temperature physics (1930–2002)
* Hjalmar Mellin – mathematician (1854–1933)
* Risto Näätänen – psychologist and neuroscientist (born 1939)
* Rolf Nevanlinna – mathematician (1895–1980)
* Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld – mineralogist (1792–1866)
* Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld – polar explorer, political refugee in Sweden (1832–1901)
* Gunnar Nordström – theoretical physicist (1881–1923)
* Aili Nurminen – meteorologist (1896–1972)
* Liisi Oterma – astronomer (1915–2001)
* Leena Palotie – gene scientist (1952–2010)
* Simo Parpola – orientalist, assyriologist
* Tuija I. Pulkkinen – space scientist (born 1962)
* Helena Ranta – pathologist, forensic dentist
* Eric Tigerstedt – inventor, Thomas Edison of Finland (1887–1925)
* Kari S. Tikka – justice and finance professor (1944–2006)
* Esko Valtaoja – astronomer
* Tatu Vanhanen – political scientist (1929–2015)
* Artturi Ilmari Virtanen – chemist, Nobelist (1895–1973)
* Vilho Väisälä – mathematician, inventor of meteorological instruments (1889–1969)
* Yrjö Väisälä – astronomer, meteorologist (1891–1971)
* Edvard Westermarck – philosopher, sociologist (1862–1939)
* Joy Wolfram – nanoscientist (1989–)
* Arvo Ylppö – pediatrician (1887–1992)

## Soldiers

* Aksel Airo – general (1898–1985)
* Adolf Ehrnrooth – general (1905–2004)
* Axel Heinrichs – general (1890–1965)
* Simo Häyhä (a.k.a. White Death) – first lieutenant, sharpshooter 505 confirmed sniper kills (1905–2002)
* Aarne Juutilainen (a.k.a. Terror of Morocco) – captain (1904–1976)
* Eino Ilmari Juutilainen – pilot, twice knight of Mannerheim cross
* Jorma Karhunen – pilot, aviation writer
* Jussi Kekkonen – major, younger brother of president Urho Kekkonen (1910–1962)
* Aimo Koivunen – corporal (1939–1944)
* Ruben Lagus – major general (1896–1956)
* Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim – marshal of Finland (1867–1951)
* Vilho Petter Nenonen – general (1883–1960)
* Karl Lennart Oesch – lieutenant general (1892–1978)
* Mika Peltonen – brigadier general (from 2005)
* Jorma Sarvanto – fighter pilot, World War II ace
* Waldemar Schauman – lieutenant general, politician
* Ensio Siilasvuo – general (1922–2001)
* Hjalmar Siilasvuo – general (1892–1947)
* Georg Magnus Sprengtporten – general (1740–1819)
* Torsten Stålhandske – commander of Hakkapelites (1594–1644)
* Paavo Susitaival – lieutenant colonel (1896–1993)
* Lauri Sutela – general
* Paavo Talvela – general (1897–1973)
* Lauri Törni (a.k.a. Larry Thorne) – captain (1919–1965)
* Rudolf Walden – general (1878–1946)
* Kurt Martti Wallenius – major general (1893–1984)
* Hans Wind – pilot, twice knight of Mannerheim cross
* Harald Öhquist – lieutenant general (1891–1971)
* Hugo Österman – lieutenant general (1892–1975)
* Karl Fredrik Wilkama – general of the infantry (1876–1947)

## Sportspeople
### Athletics

* Ashprihanal Pekka Aalto – ultramarathoner and extreme endurance athlete
* Arto Bryggare – hurdling athlete
* Sari Essayah – race walker, world champion
* Tommi Evilä – long jumper
* Arsi Harju – shot putter, Olympic champion
* Eduard Hämäläinen – decathlete
* Arto Härkönen – javelin thrower, Olympic champion
* Gunnar Höckert – runner, Olympic champion (1910–1940)
* Volmari Iso-Hollo – runner, two Olympic gold medals (1907–1969)
* Akilles Järvinen – decathlete (1905–1943)
* Matti Järvinen – javelin thrower, Olympic champion (1909–1985)
* Verner Järvinen – discus thrower, Olympic champion (1870–1941)
* Kaarlo Kangasniemi – weightlifter, Olympic champion 1968 Mexico
* Olli-Pekka Karjalainen – hammer thrower
* Veikko Karvonen – marathon runner (Boston Marathon winner 1954)
* Elias Katz – runner, Olympic champion (3,000m team steeplechase) and silver (3,000m steeplechase) (1901–1947)
* Jukka Keskisalo – runner
* Kimmo Kinnunen – javelin thrower, world champion
* Hannes Kolehmainen – runner, four Olympic gold medals (1889–1966)
* Valentin Kononen – race walker, world champion
* Tapio Korjus – javelin thrower, Olympic champion
* Teodor Koskenniemi – runner, Olympic champion (1887–1965)
* Paavo Kotila – marathon runner (Boston Marathon winner 1960)
* Harri Larva – runner, Olympic champion (1906–1980)
* Lauri Lehtinen – runner, Olympic champion (1908–1973)
* Eero Lehtonen – pentathlete, two Olympic gold medals (1898–1959)
* Heikki Liimatainen – runner, two Olympic gold medals (1894–1980)
* Tiina Lillak – javelin thrower, world champion
* Toivo Loukola – runner, Olympic champion (1902–1984)
* Taisto Mäki – long-distance runner, multiple world record holder (1910–1979)
* Jonni Myyrä – javelin thrower, two Olympic gold medals (1892–1955)
* Pauli Nevala – javelin thrower, Olympic champion
* Elmer Niklander – discus thrower and shot putter, Olympic champion (1890–1942)
* Paavo Nurmi – runner, nine Olympic gold medals (1897–1973)
* Eino Oksanen – marathon runner (Boston Marathon winner 1959, 1961,1962)
* Aki Parviainen – javelin thrower, world champion
* Tero Pitkämäki – javelin thrower, world champion
* Ville Pörhölä – shot putter, Olympic champion (1897–1964)
* Heli Rantanen – javelin thrower, Olympic champion
* Tapio Rautavaara – javelin thrower, Olympic champion (1915–1979)
* Ville Ritola – runner, five Olympic gold medals (1896–1982)
* Seppo Räty – javelin thrower, three Olympic medals, world champion
* Julius Saaristo – javelin thrower, Olympic champion (1891–1969)
* Ilmari Salminen – runner, Olympic champion (1902–1986)
* Albin Stenroos – marathon runner, Olympic champion (1889–1971)
* Olavi Suomalainen – marathon runner (Boston Marathon winner 1972)
* Armas Taipale – discus thrower, Olympic champion (1890–1976)
* Juha Tiainen – hammer thrower, Olympic champion
* Abraham Tokazier – sprinter
* Vilho Tuulos – triple jumper, Olympic champion (1895–1967)
* Pekka Vasala – runner, Olympic champion
* Lasse Virén – runner, four Olympic gold medals
* Paavo Yrjölä – decathlete, Olympic champion

### Basketball

* Petteri Koponen – basketball player, first Finnish first round pick in NBA draft
* Lauri Markkanen – basketball player, currently with the NBA's Utah Jazz
* Hanno Möttölä – basketball player, first Finnish NBA player
* Miron Ruina (born 1998) – Finnish-Israeli basketball player

### Football

* Abiola Bamijoko
* Alexei Eremenko Jr.
* Roman Eremenko
* Mikael Forssell
* Kasper Hämäläinen
* Markus Heikkinen
* Lukáš Hrádecký
* Sami Hyypiä
* Jonatan Johansson
* Jussi Jääskeläinen
* Joonas Kolkka
* Shefki Kuqi
* Jari Litmanen
* Niklas Moisander
* Antti Niemi
* Mixu Paatelainen
* Petri Pasanen
* Juhani Peltonen
* Roni Porokara
* Aki Riihilahti
* Aulis Rytkönen
* Rasmus Schüller
* Mikko Siivikko
* Teemu Tainio
* Niilo Tammisalo
* Hannu Tihinen
* Mika Väyrynen
* Mika Ääritalo
* Teemu Pukki
* Anssi Jaakkola
* Markku Kanerva
* Joel Pohjanpalo
* Glen Kamara

### Ice hockey
#### A–K

* Antti Aalto
* Sebastian Aho
* Sami Aittokallio
* Aleksander Barkov
* Aki Berg
* Sean Bergenheim
* Timo Blomqvist
* Niklas Bäckström
* Toni Eskelinen
* Mikko Eloranta
* Valtteri Filppula
* Mikael Granlund
* Tuomas Grönman
* Anne Haanpää
* Matti Hagman
* Niklas Hagman
* Maija Hassinen-Sullanmaa
* Riku Hahl
* Sanni Hakala
* Teemu Hartikainen
* Ilkka Heikkinen
* Miro Heiskanen
* Riku Helenius
* Anne Helin
* Raimo Helminen
* Jukka Hentunen
* Jenni Hiirikoski
* Roope Hintz
* Kim Hirschovits
* Elisa Holopainen
* Venla Hovi
* Jani Hurme
* Erik Hämäläinen
* Kirsi Hänninen
* Marianne Ihalainen
* Jarkko Immonen
* Mira Jalosuo
* Jesse Joensuu
* Jussi Jokinen
* Olli Jokinen
* Timo Jutila
* Hannu Järvenpää
* Iiro Järvi
* Valtteri Järviluoma
* Kaapo Kakko
* Tomi Kallio
* Niko Kapanen
* Sami Kapanen
* Kasperi Kapanen
* Jere Karalahti
* Michelle Karvinen
* Anni Keisala
* Esa Keskinen
* Markus Ketterer
* Satu Kiipeli
* Anna Kilponen
* Marko Kiprusoff
* Miikka Kiprusoff
* Mikko Koivu
* Saku Koivu – current IOC member
* Leo Komarov
* Petri Kontiola
* Lauri Korpikoski
* Sari Krooks
* Mira Kuisma
* Lasse Kukkonen
* Jari Kurri

#### L–Q

* Teemu Laakso
* Antti Laaksonen
* Erkki Laine
* Mikko Laine
* Patrik Laine
* Nelli Laitinen
* Janne Laukkanen
* Esa Lehikoinen
* Tero Lehterä
* Jere Lehtinen
* Erkki Lehtonen
* Kari Lehtonen
* Mikko Lehtonen (born 1978)
* Mikko Lehtonen (born 1987)
* Ville Leino
* Juha Lind
* Esa Lindell
* Perttu Lindgren
* Rosa Lindstedt
* Jyrki Lumme
* Mikko Luoma
* Toni Lydman
* Pentti Lund
* Lauri Marjamäki
* Sari Marjamäki (née Fisk)
* Jussi Markkanen
* Terhi Mertanen
* Antti Miettinen
* Reijo Mikkolainen
* Jarmo Myllys
* Olli Määttä
* Mikko Mäkelä
* Niina Mäkinen
* Antti Niemi
* Antti-Jussi Niemi
* Saara Niemi (née Tuominen)
* Mika Nieminen
* Petra Nieminen
* Ville Nieminen
* Janne Niinimaa
* Antero Niittymäki
* Janne Niskala
* Tanja Niskanen
* Petteri Nokelainen
* Mika Noronen
* Fredrik Norrena
* Petteri Nummelin
* Teppo Numminen
* Pasi Nurminen
* Emma Nuutinen
* Janne Öfverström
* Janne Ojanen
* Suvi Ollikainen
* Joni Ortio
* Kai Ortio
* Oskar Osala
* Marko Palo
* Oona Parviainen
* Mari Pehkonen
* Ville Peltonen
* Heidi Pelttari
* Harri Pesonen
* Janne Pesonen
* Tuomas Pihlman
* Antti Pihlström
* Joni Pitkänen
* Mariia Posa
* Jesse Puljujärvi
* Tuula Puputti
* Mika Pyörälä
* Marja-Helena Pälvilä
* Timo Pärssinen

#### R–Z

* Isa Rahunen
* Annina Rajahuhta
* Tiina Ranne
* Karoliina Rantamäki
* Mikko Rantanen
* Joonas Rask
* Tuukka Rask
* Katja Riipi
* Pekka Rinne
* Kimmo Rintanen
* Jani Rita
* Arto Ruotanen
* Reijo Ruotsalainen
* Christian Ruuttu
* Jarkko Ruutu
* Tuomo Ruutu
* Jussi Rynnäs
* Noora Räty
* Meeri Räisänen
* Juuso Rämö
* Karri Rämö
* Noora Räty
* Saila Saari
* Mari Saarinen
* Simo Saarinen
* Maria Saarni
* Riikka Sallinen (née Nieminen, previously Välilä)
* Anssi Salmela
* Tony Salmelainen
* Sami Salo
* Tommi Santala
* Eve Savander
* Ronja Savolainen
* Teemu Selänne
* Essi Sievers
* Hanne Sikiö
* Jenna Silvonen
* Ilkka Sinisalo
* Ville Sirén
* Petri Skriko
* Liisa-Maria Sneck
* Mika Strömberg
* Kai Suikkanen
* Ari Sulander
* Raimo Summanen
* Eveliina Suonpää
* Timo Susi
* Keijo Säilynoja
* Sara Säkkinen
* Nora Tallus
* Jukka Tammi
* Vilma Tanskanen
* Susanna Tapani
* Saija Tarkki
* Emma Terho (née Laaksonen) – current IOC member
* Teuvo Teräväinen
* Esa Tikkanen
* Nina Tikkinen
* Kimmo Timonen
* Jari Torkki
* Vesa Toskala
* Noora Tulus
* Minttu Tuominen
* Satu Tuominen
* Pekka Tuomisto
* Antti Törmänen
* Petra Vaarakallio
* Vilma Vaattovaara
* Viivi Vainikka
* Anna Vanhatalo
* Petri Varis
* Sami Vatanen
* Ella Viitasuo
* Hannu Virta
* Päivi Virta (previously Halonen)
* Jukka Virtanen
* Marjo Voutilainen
* Linda Välimäki
* Ossi Väänänen
* Petteri Wirtanen
* Juha Ylönen

### Motorsports

* Mika Ahola – enduro rider (1974–2012)
* Pentti Airikkala – rally driver
* Markku Alén – rally driver
* Samuli Aro – enduro rider
* Valtteri Bottas – Formula One driver
* Toni Gardemeister – rally driver
* Marcus Grönholm – rally driver. 2 time World Champion
* Mikko Hirvonen – rally driver
* Mika Häkkinen – Formula One driver 2 time World Champion
* Mika Kallio – motorcycle racer
* Juha Kankkunen – rally driver. 4 time World Champion
* Leo Kinnunen – Formula One driver
* Heikki Kovalainen – Formula One driver
* Teuvo Länsivuori – motorcycle racer
* Jari-Matti Latvala – rally driver
* JJ Lehto – Formula One driver
* Hannu Mikkola – rally driver
* Heikki Mikkola – motocross racer
* Timo Mäkinen – rally driver
* Tommi Mäkinen – rally driver. 4 time World Champion
* Kauko Nieminen – speedway racer
* Taru Rinne – motorcycle racer
* Keke Rosberg – Formula One driver, World Champion 1982
* Harri Rovanperä – rally driver
* Kimi Räikkönen – Formula One driver, World Champion in 2007; rally driver; NASCAR driver
* Jarno Saarinen – motorcycle racer (1945–1973)
* Juha Salminen – enduro rider
* Mika Salo – Formula One driver
* Timo Salonen – rally driver
* Kari Tiainen – enduro rider
* Henri Toivonen – rally driver (1956–1986)
* Ari Vatanen – rally driver

### Rowing

* Yrjö Hietanen – rower, two Olympic gold medals
* Pertti Karppinen – rower, three Olympic gold medals
* Kurt Wires – rower, two Olympic gold medals (1919–1991)

### Winter sports

* Janne Ahonen – ski jumper
* Antti Autti – snowboarder
* Eero Ettala – snowboarder, 2006 World Champion
* Veikko Hakulinen – cross-country skier, three Olympic gold medals
* Janne Happonen – ski jumper
* Heikki Hasu – Nordic combined, two Olympic gold medals
* Matti Hautamäki – ski jumper
* Antti Hyvärinen – ski jumper
* Kalevi Hämäläinen – cross-country skier
* Risto Jussilainen – ski jumper
* Marjatta Kajosmaa – cross-country skier
* Veikko Kankkonen – ski jumper
* Jouko Karjalainen – Nordic combined
* Klaes Karppinen – cross-country skier
* Kalle Keituri – ski jumper
* Harri Kirvesniemi – cross-country skier
* Marja-Liisa Kirvesniemi – cross-country skier, three Olympic gold medals
* Anssi Koivuranta – Nordic combined
* Kiira Korpi – figure skater
* Markku Koski – snowboarder and Olympic bronze medalist (Men's Snowboarding Halfpipe)
* Kai Kovaljeff – ski jumper
* Hilkka Kuntola – cross-country skier
* Risto Laakkonen – ski jumper
* Janne Lahtela – freestyle skier
* Mika Laitinen – ski jumper
* Samppa Lajunen – Olympic gold medalist (Nordic combined) and (sprint)
* Ville Larinto – ski jumper
* Hannu Manninen – Nordic combined
* Marjo Matikainen-Kallström – cross-country skier
* Juha Mieto – cross-country skier
* Olli Muotka – ski jumper
* Kaija Mustonen – speed skater
* Mika Myllylä – cross-country skier
* Eero Mäntyranta – cross-country skier, three Olympic gold medals
* Toni Nieminen – ski jumper, two Olympic gold medals
* Ari-Pekka Nikkola – ski jumper, two Olympic gold medals
* Matti Nykänen – ski jumper, four Olympic gold medals, one Olympic silver medal
* Harri Olli– ski jumper
* Kalle Palander – skier
* Peetu Piiroinen – snowboarder, one Olympic silver medal (halfpipe)
* Tanja Poutiainen – skier
* Jari Puikkonen – ski jumper
* Siiri Rantanen – cross-country skier
* Marjut Rolig (née Lukkarinen) – cross-country skier, one olympic gold- and silver medal
* Mikko Ronkainen – freestyle skier
* Janne Ryynänen – Nordic combined
* Veli Saarinen – cross-country skier
* Julius Skutnabb – speed skater
* Jani Soininen – ski jumper
* Helena Takalo – cross-country skier
* Jaakko Tallus – Nordic combined
* Clas Thunberg – speed skater, five Olympic gold medals
* Jouko Törmänen – ski jumper
* Tuomo Ylipulli – ski jumper
* Kaisa Mäkäräinen – biathlete, one-time World Champion, 6 total medals at World Championships

### Other

* Paavo Aaltonen – gymnast, three Olympic gold medals (1919–1962)
* Jouko Ahola – World's strongest man champion twice
* Patrik Antonius – High-stakes poker player
* Kalle Anttila – wrestler, two Olympic gold medals (1887–1975)
* Kike Elomaa – IFBB professional bodybuilder
* Veikka Gustafsson – mountain climber
* Veikko Huhtanen – gymnast, three Olympic gold medals (1919–1976)
* Robin Hull – snooker player
* Mikko Ilonen – golfer
* Mika Immonen – pool player
* Antti Kasvio – swimmer
* Minna Kauppi – orienteer, nine-time World Champion
* Marko Kemppainen – skeet shooter
* Mika Koivuniemi – ten-pin bowler
* Väinö Kokkinen – wrestler, two Olympic gold medals (1899–1967)
* Pentti Linnosvuo – sport shooter, two Olympic gold medals
* Matti Mattsson – swimmer, one World Championship bronze medal
* Jarkko Nieminen – tennis player
* Lauri "Tahko" Pihkala – inventor of Finnish baseball (1888–1981)
* Kustaa Pihlajamäki – wrestler, two Olympic gold medals (1902–1944)
* Jarno Pihlava – swimmer
* Arto Saari – pro skateboarder
* Ale Saarvala – gymnast, two Olympic gold medals
* Kasperi Salo – badminton player
* Heikki Savolainen – gymnast, two Olympic gold medals (1907–1998)
* Hanna-Maria Seppälä – swimmer, World champion
* Jani Sievinen – swimmer, one Olympic silver and many other international medals, mostly gold medals. Most decorated Finnish swimmer
* Markku Uusipaavalniemi – curler
* Anu Viheriäranta – ballet dancer
* Antti Viitikko – badminton player
* Janne Virtanen – world's strongest man champion
* Emil Väre – wrestler, two Olympic gold medals (1885–1974)
* Verner Weckman – wrestler, two Olympic gold medals (1882–1968)

## Theologians, clergymen

* Mikael Agricola
* Bishop Henry
* Lauri Ingman
* Markku Koivisto
* Lars Levi Læstadius
* Leo
* Kari Mäkinen
* Jukka Paarma
* Antti Rantamaa
* Paavo Ruotsalainen
* Frans Ludvig Schauman
* John Vikström

## Writers

* Juhani Aho – first professional writer
* Helena Anhava – prolific poet, writer, translator (1925–2018)
* Jean M. Auel – American writer of Finnish descent, born as Jean Marie Untinen
* Minna Canth – author (1844–1897)
* Bo Carpelan
* Marco Casagrande
* Jörn Donner – author and politician
* Anna Edelheim – journalist
* Elsa Enäjärvi-Haavio (1901–1951) – folklorist and cultural critic
* Seikko Eskola – historian
* Pentti Haanpää
* Aarne Haapakoski – pulp writer with pseudonym Outsider
* Paavo Haavikko
* Saima Harmaja – poet (1913–1937)
* Laila Hietamies
* Veikko Huovinen
* Antti Hyry
* Anna-Leena Härkönen
* Risto Isomäki – science fiction writer
* Tove Jansson – children's author of Moomin fame (1914–2001)
* Maria Jotuni (1880–1943)
* Markus Kajo – comedy writer (born 1957)
* Taito Kantonen
* Volter Kilpi
* Marko Kitti
* Aleksis Kivi – first significant author in Finnish (1834–1872)
* Leena Krohn
* Torsti Lehtinen – writer and philosopher
* Joel Lehtonen
* Eino Leino (1878–1926)
* Rosa Liksom
* Väinö Linna – author of The Unknown Soldier (1920–1992)
* Johannes Linnankoski
* Elias Lönnrot – compiled the Kalevala (1802–1884)
* Veijo Meri
* Barbara Catharina Mjödh
* Knud Möller
* Jukka Nevakivi
* Pertti Nieminen
* Carita Nyström (1940–2019) – Swedish-speaking writer
* Sofi Oksanen
* Arto Paasilinna
* Erno Paasilinna
* Olavi Paavolainen
* Onni Palaste – war novelist (1917–2009)
* Antti Puhakka – national romantic poet and politician (1816–1893)
* Kalle Päätalo (1919–2000)
* Susanne Ringell
* Johan Ludvig Runeberg – national poet (1804–1877)
* Pentti Saarikoski
* Frans Emil Sillanpää – Nobelist (1888–1964)
* Johanna Sinisalo
* Tommy Tabermann – also known from TV series Have I Got News For You a.k.a. Uutisvuoto
* Marton Taiga – pseudonym of Martti Löfberg
* Jari Tervo – also known from TV series Have I Got News For You a.k.a. Uutisvuoto
* Märta Tikkanen
* Zacharias Topelius – author and historian (1818–1898)
* Jouko Turkka
* Antti Tuuri
* Kaari Utrio
* Hella Wuolijoki
* Mika Waltari (1908–1979)
* Lauri Viita – poet and novelist known for extreme rhyme skill
* Kjell Westö

## Other notables

* Simo Aalto – stage magician
* Kaarlo Bergbom – theatre director, founder of the Finnish National Theatre
* Ior Bock – eccentric
* Donner family
* Karl Fazer – confectionery manufacturer
* Janina Frostell – model, sex symbol and singer
* Tony Halme – show wrestler (stage name Ludwig Borga), politician
* Pirkko Hämäläinen, Ambassador to Austria
* Seppo Hentilä – historian
* Jukka Hilden – member of The Dudesons
* Toni Jerrman – science fiction critic
* Pepe Jürgens – sports commentator
* Vesa Kanniainen – economist and academic
* Liisa Kauppinen (born 1939) – human rights activist
* Helena Kekkonen (1926–2014) – peace activist
* Kuikka-Koponen – trickster and conjurer
* Armi Kuusela – Miss Universe 1952
* Jarno Laasala – member of The Dudesons
* Aarne Lakomaa – aircraft designer (1914–2001)
* Jarno "Jarppi"/"Jarno2" Leppälä – member of The Dudesons
* Arvi Lind – newscaster
* Fanni Luukkonen – leader of Lotta Svärd (1882–1947)
* Venla Luukkonen – Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion
* Sophie Mannerheim – nurse (1863–1928)
* Tuomas "Tunna" Milonoff – starring in the Finnish television program Madventures
* Väinö Myllyrinne – the tallest Finn, 248 cm (1909–1963)
* Larin Paraske – poem singer
* Hannu-Pekka "HP" Parviainen – member of The Dudesons
* Arndt Pekurinen – pacifist (1905–1941)
* Anne Marie Pohtamo – Miss Universe 1975
* Riku Rantala – starring in the Finnish television program Madventures
* Krisse Salminen – comedian and talk show hostess
* Santa Claus
* Eugen Schauman – assassin who killed Nikolai Ivanovich Bobrikov (1875–1904)
* Ossian Schauman – founder of Folkhälsan
* August Schauman – publicist, politician, and founder of Hufvudstadsbladet
* Schauman family
* Tabe Slioor – socialite, reporter, photographer; founded the first gossip magazine in Finland
* Nils Torvalds – journalist
* Ole Torvalds – journalist (1916–1995)
* Teppo Turkki – futurologist
* Nils-Aslak Valkeapää – Sami activist (1943–2001)
* Folke West – traveller