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Meaning & History
Created by Finnish poet Eino Leino (1878-1926) for his poem Orjan poika (published in his poem collection Helkavirsiä). The name was derived from Finnish word pirkkalaiset, meaning "Birkarls". Birkarls were a Finnish group that controlled taxing in Lapland during medieval times. Famous bearers include Pirkka-Pekka Petelius (b. 1953), a Finnish actor, comedian, screenwriter, director and producer.