Urho is a unique and uncommon Finnish male given name. Its origin can be traced back to the ancient Finlandic culture, where it was used as a title or rank rather than a personal name. The name Urho is derived from the Old Finnish word "urho" which means "hero". It is also associated with the mythological hero of Finnish epic poetry, the Kalevala.
The name Urho gained popularity in Finland during the 19th century, particularly after the publication of the Kalevala in 1835. This national epic of Finland featured a character named Urho Ilmarinen, who was a skilled smith and one of the main heroes of the story. The name Urho became even more popular following Finnish independence in 1917, as it was seen as a symbol of Finnish nationalism and pride.
Urho is still used today, primarily in Finland but also among the Finnish diaspora around the world. It remains a unique and distinctive name, carrying with it a rich history and cultural significance. Despite its origins, Urho has not gained widespread popularity outside of Finland, making it a rare find internationally.
The name Urho experienced fluctuations in popularity between 1913 and 1923, with a notable peak of 12 births in both 1917 and 1918. The total number of births during this period was 72.