Karhu (surname)

Karhu is a Finnish surname.

Origin and Meaning:

The name Karhu derives from the Finnish word for "bear". As a surname, it likely originated as a nickname, either based on physical characteristics (strength, size, perhaps perceived clumsiness), or on personality traits (courage, fierceness, solitary nature). It could also have been associated with a family's connection to the bear as a totem animal or in folklore. Bears hold a significant position in Finnish mythology and culture, which makes Karhu a relatively common and evocative surname.

Distribution:

The surname Karhu is predominantly found in Finland. Due to Finnish emigration patterns, it can also be found to a lesser extent in other countries, particularly Sweden, the United States, and Canada, where Finnish immigrants settled.

Notable People:

Due to the common nature of the surname, there have been numerous individuals named Karhu across various fields. A comprehensive listing of all notable individuals bearing the name is beyond the scope of this entry, but examples would include individuals in sports, the arts, and academia. Specific individuals would need to be researched on a case-by-case basis to verify their notability based on encyclopedia standards.