Helmi (given name) explained

Helmi
Gender:	Male/female
Meaning:	"pearl", "bead"; originally "amber"
Origin:	Estonian, Finnish
Related Names:	William, Wilhelmina, Vilhelmiina, Vilhelmina

Helmi is a given name. It is an Estonian and Finnish feminine given name literally meaning pearl or bead. The name is derived from the Proto-Baltic-Finnic *helmes, or 'amber'.^[1] In Finland, Helmi is also used as a short form of the name Vilhelmiina or Vilhelmina.^[2] Helmi was among the most popular names for baby girls born in Finland in the early 21st century.^[3]

It is also used as a masculine name with differing origins in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Estonian/Finnish

• Helmi Arneberg-Pentti (1889-1981), chairman of Lotta Svärd, Finnish auxiliary organisation for women in 1920s.
• Helmi Juvonen (1903–1985), American artist active in Seattle, Washington
• Helmi Krohn (1871–1967), Finnish writer
• Helmi Mäelo (1898–1978), Estonian writer and social activist
• Helmi Puur (1936–2014), Estonian ballerina
• Helmi Üprus (1911–1978), Estonian architectural and art historian
• Helmi Silbermann Munz (1908–1985), Estonian Canadian artist

Other nationalities

• Eddy Helmi Abdul Manan (born 1979), Malaysian footballer
• Helmi Johannes (born 1961), Indonesian television newscaster and executive producer
• Khairul Helmi Johari (born 1988), Malaysian footballer
• Mohd Helmi Eliza Elias (born 1983), Malaysian footballer

See also

• • Helmy
• Hilmi

Notes and References

1. http://eki.ee/dict/ety/index.cgi?Q=helmes&F=M&C06=et Dictionary of Estonian Etymology
2. http://www.behindthename.com/name/helmi Behind the Name
3. Helsingin Sanomat, October 16, 2007.Aino and Eetu top list of most popular children's names. Retrieved February 10, 2008.