- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: “asarina; climbing plant; creeper.”
- Gender: Female
- Pron: VOW-lah
The name comes directly from the Finnish word for the asarina plant. It is also used to describe any kind of climbing plant. In some Finnish dialects, it describes a small ring tied with wicker or a small loop attached to a belt, both of which are used in saunas.
It first came into use in Finland in the 20th-century. The Eino Leinon poem possibly popularized the name. There is a verse in the poem describing a child being carried to a climbing plant.
It’s designated name-day in Finland is September 20th.
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