Meaning, origin, history
Mikko is a Finnish male given name with an origin dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the old Finnish personal name "Mikkonen," which itself comes from the word "mikka," meaning "darling" or "pet." The name Mikko was traditionally given to children born around Christmas time, as it was believed that St. Nicholas (known in Finland as Joulupukki) would bring gifts and good fortune to those named after him.
Over time, Mikko has become one of the most popular names in Finland, often used independently or as part of a compound name like "Mikko-Pekka" or "Pekka-Mikko." It is also sometimes spelled without the double 'k,' appearing as "Miko."
The name Mikko gained international recognition through Finnish athletes such as Mikko Hyppönen (a musician and cybersecurity expert) and Mikko Koivu (an ice hockey player). Despite its historical association with Christmas, today Mikko is simply seen as a traditional yet distinctive Finnish name that has been carried through generations.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Mikko since 1880
Total births
762
Total since 1880
Peak year
2021
53 births
in 2023
45
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+41%
↗
vs previous 5 years