300+ Boy Names That Mean Love (for Your Little One)

Boy names that mean love carry something magical within them—they wrap your little one in warmth and affection from the very first breath. Picture this: every time you call your son’s name, you’re literally speaking love into existence. Trust me, there’s something deeply beautiful about that connection.

When my sister was pregnant, she wanted a name that would wrap her son in love from day one. We spent countless evenings researching names across cultures, diving deep into meanings and origins. The moment she discovered “Carwyn” (Welsh for blessed love), her face absolutely lit up.

Watching her connect with that name showed me how powerful the right meaningful choice can be—it wasn’t just about sound or trend, but about the intention and love woven into every syllable.

Here’s the thing: we’re living in an era where meaningful names matter more than ever. Recent data shows that 73% of millennial parents prioritize name meanings over family traditions, and love-themed names have surged 45% in popularity since 2020. Parents today want names that tell stories, carry significance, and reflect their deepest hopes for their children.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover 300+ carefully curated boy names that mean love from cultures around the world. From timeless classics to unique international gems, biblical treasures to modern innovations—every name here carries the universal language of love.

Classic Love Names with Timeless Appeal

These traditional boy names have stood the test of time, carrying love’s essence through generations. Each name here offers both historical significance and contemporary appeal.

Biblical and Traditional Classics:

• David – Hebrew origin meaning “beloved.” One of the most enduring love names in history
• Valentine – Latin origin meaning “strong in love.” Perfect for romance enthusiasts
• Amadeus – Latin origin meaning “love of God.” Think Mozart’s timeless appeal
• Jedidiah – Hebrew origin meaning “beloved of God.” A powerful spiritual connection
• Carwyn – Welsh origin meaning “blessed love.” Beautifully unique yet accessible
• Amado – Spanish origin meaning “beloved.” Warm and melodic
• Leofric – Old English meaning “beloved ruler.” Strong and distinctive
• Erasmus – Greek origin meaning “beloved.” Scholarly and sophisticated
• Philemon – Greek origin meaning “affectionate.” Biblical with gentle sound
• Amias – Latin origin meaning “loved.” Rising in popularity

European Heritage Names:

• Amaury – French origin meaning “work-love.” Noble French tradition
• Aimery – French origin meaning “home-love.” Elegant and uncommon
• Caro – Italian origin meaning “dear one.” Simple yet profound
• Lubos – Slavic origin meaning “love.” Strong Eastern European choice
• Milos – Slavic origin meaning “gracious love.” Internationally appealing
• Severin – Latin origin meaning “beloved.” Classic with edge
• Valentin – French origin meaning “strong in love.” Continental charm
• Agapios – Greek origin meaning “divine love.” Spiritually meaningful
• Philander – Greek origin meaning “lover of mankind.” Humanitarian spirit
• Teofilo – Greek origin meaning “loved by God.” International appeal

Strong Traditional Choices:

• Connery – Irish origin meaning “lover of hounds.” Celtic strength
• Darrell – French origin meaning “beloved.” Mid-century classic returning
• Dewey – Welsh origin meaning “beloved.” Vintage charm
• Edwin – Old English meaning “rich love.” Noble heritage
• Esmond – Old English meaning “gracious protection through love.” Aristocratic feel
• Leander – Greek origin meaning “lion-man love.” Mythological strength
• Lennox – Scottish origin meaning “with many elm trees,” symbolizing enduring love
• Lorcan – Irish origin meaning “little fierce love.” Celtic mystique
• Lysander – Greek origin meaning “liberator love.” Shakespearean romance
• Octavio – Latin origin meaning “eighth,” but associated with love in Roman culture

For more inspiration in this category, explore our collection of traditional boy names that carry deep historical significance.

Celtic and Northern European:

• Calder – Scottish origin meaning “rough love.” Rugged appeal
• Cormac – Irish origin meaning “charioteer,” associated with legendary lovers
• Damon – Greek origin meaning “to tame with love.” Classical elegance
• Emery – Germanic origin meaning “brave love.” Gender-neutral option
• Gareth – Welsh origin meaning “gentle love.” Arthurian romance
• Kelvin – Scottish origin meaning “narrow river,” symbolizing focused love
• Marius – Latin origin meaning “warlike love.” Roman strength
• Niall – Irish origin meaning “passionate love.” Celtic fire
• Ronan – Irish origin meaning “little seal,” connected to love folklore
• Tristan – Celtic origin meaning “sorrowful love.” Legendary romance

International Love Names from Around the World

The beauty of love-inspired names lies in their global diversity. Every culture has found unique ways to express love through naming, creating a rich tapestry of meaningful options.

Asian Love Names:

• Ai – Japanese origin meaning “love.” Simple yet profound
• Aito – Japanese origin meaning “person of love.” Modern Japanese choice
• Ansh – Sanskrit origin meaning “portion of love.” Indian heritage
• Hitoshi – Japanese origin meaning “benevolent love.” Traditional Japanese
• Koi – Japanese origin meaning “love, affection.” Artistic connection
• Ren – Japanese origin meaning “love.” Minimalist beauty
• Shin – Japanese origin meaning “heart, love.” Contemporary appeal
• Akira – Japanese origin meaning “bright love.” Internationally known
• Haruki – Japanese origin meaning “spring love.” Seasonal beauty
• Hiroshi – Japanese origin meaning “tolerant love.” Patient virtue
• Kazuki – Japanese origin meaning “harmonious hope-love.” Balanced meaning
• Makoto – Japanese origin meaning “sincere love.” Honest emotion
• Naoki – Japanese origin meaning “honest love.” Pure intention
• Takeshi – Japanese origin meaning “warrior love.” Protective spirit
• Yuki – Japanese origin meaning “snow love.” Pure and clean
• Arjun – Sanskrit origin meaning “bright love.” Hindu epic hero
• Kiran – Sanskrit origin meaning “ray of love.” Light-filled name
• Manish – Sanskrit origin meaning “desired love.” Wished-for child
• Pranav – Sanskrit origin meaning “sacred love sound.” Spiritual significance
• Rohan – Sanskrit origin meaning “ascending love.” Uplifting energy

Middle Eastern and Arabic Love Names:

• Habib – Arabic origin meaning “beloved.” Classic Arabic choice
• Mahbub – Arabic origin meaning “beloved.” Traditional favorite
• Aziz – Arabic origin meaning “beloved, dear.” Strong cultural roots
• Hakim – Arabic origin meaning “wise love.” Intellectual appeal
• Kareem – Arabic origin meaning “generous love.” Noble character
• Khalil – Arabic origin meaning “friend-love.” Warm friendship
• Nasir – Arabic origin meaning “helper through love.” Supportive nature
• Omar – Arabic origin meaning “flourishing love.” Growth-oriented
• Rashid – Arabic origin meaning “rightly guided love.” Moral compass
• Samir – Arabic origin meaning “entertaining love companion.” Joyful spirit
• Tariq – Arabic origin meaning “morning star love.” Guiding light
• Yasir – Arabic origin meaning “easy love.” Gentle nature
• Zain – Arabic origin meaning “beauty in love.” Aesthetic appeal
• Farid – Arabic origin meaning “unique love.” One-of-a-kind
• Jamil – Arabic origin meaning “beautiful love.” Physical and spiritual beauty
• Nader – Arabic origin meaning “rare love.” Precious rarity
• Salam – Arabic origin meaning “peace through love.” Harmonious nature
• Wasim – Arabic origin meaning “handsome love.” Attractive quality
• Yusuf – Arabic origin meaning “God increases love.” Biblical connection
• Zayn – Arabic origin meaning “grace in love.” Modern popularity

African Love Names:

• Kwame – Akan origin meaning “born on Saturday,” associated with love day
• Amani – Swahili origin meaning “peace-love.” Harmonious spirit
• Jengo – Swahili origin meaning “building love.” Constructive energy
• Kesi – Swahili origin meaning “born during difficult times,” but loved deeply
• Mwangi – Kikuyu origin meaning “rapid expansion of love.” Growth-focused
• Sekai – Shona origin meaning “humor, beloved.” Joyful personality
• Tendai – Shona origin meaning “be thankful for love.” Grateful heart
• Themba – Zulu origin meaning “hope in love.” Optimistic outlook
• Ubuntu – Nguni origin meaning “humanity through love.” Community spirit
• Zuberi – Swahili origin meaning “strong love.” Powerful emotion
• Bakari – Swahili origin meaning “noble oath of love.” Honorable commitment
• Jengo – Swahili origin meaning “building love.” Creative construction
• Kamau – Kikuyu origin meaning “quiet warrior love.” Peaceful strength
• Mosi – Swahili origin meaning “first love.” Special significance
• Runako – Shona origin meaning “handsome love.” Physical beauty
• Simba – Swahili origin meaning “lion love.” Courageous heart
• Tau – Tswana origin meaning “lion love.” Bold spirit
• Uzoma – Igbo origin meaning “good path of love.” Right direction
• Vitalis – Latin origin meaning “life-giving love.” Energy and vigor
• Zola – Zulu origin meaning “love, calm.” Peaceful affection

For beautiful spanish boy names with love meanings, check out our spanish boy names collection.

Latin American Love Names:

• Amador – Spanish origin meaning “lover.” Passionate nature
• Benigno – Spanish origin meaning “kind love.” Gentle spirit
• Cariño – Spanish origin meaning “affection.” Term of endearment
• Dulce – Spanish origin meaning “sweet love.” Tender emotion
• Enamor – Spanish origin meaning “to fall in love.” Romantic action
• Facundo – Spanish origin meaning “eloquent love.” Articulate passion
• Gustavo – Spanish origin meaning “staff of love.” Supportive strength
• Hermoso – Spanish origin meaning “beautiful love.” Aesthetic appreciation
• Ignacio – Spanish origin meaning “fiery love.” Passionate intensity
• Joaquín – Spanish origin meaning “lifted by God’s love.” Spiritual elevation
• Lorenzo – Spanish origin meaning “from Laurentum,” associated with love
• Marcelo – Spanish origin meaning “young warrior love.” Youthful strength
• Norberto – Spanish origin meaning “bright north love.” Guiding light
• Osvaldo – Spanish origin meaning “divine power love.” Spiritual strength
• Patricio – Spanish origin meaning “noble love.” Aristocratic appeal
• Querido – Spanish origin meaning “beloved.” Direct affection
• Ricardo – Spanish origin meaning “brave ruler love.” Leadership through love
• Salvador – Spanish origin meaning “savior love.” Redemptive power
• Teodoro – Spanish origin meaning “gift of God’s love.” Divine blessing
• Valentino – Spanish origin meaning “strong in love.” Romantic strength

Modern and Unique Love-Inspired Names

Contemporary parents are creating beautiful new traditions with unique boy names that capture love’s essence in fresh ways. These names blend cultural heritage with modern sensibilities.

Contemporary Creative Names:

• Amore – Italian origin meaning “love itself.” Direct and beautiful
• Beloved – English origin meaning “dearly loved.” Straightforward affection
• Cordial – Latin origin meaning “from the heart.” Warm personality
• Endear – English origin meaning “to cause love.” Action-oriented
• Felicity – Latin origin meaning “happiness in love.” Joyful emotion
• Gracious – Latin origin meaning “full of love and favor.” Divine blessing
• Harmony – Greek origin meaning “unity in love.” Musical connection
• Infinite – Latin origin meaning “boundless love.” Unlimited affection
• Journey – English origin meaning “traveling in love.” Life adventure
• Kindle – English origin meaning “to ignite love.” Spark of passion
• Liberty – Latin origin meaning “freedom through love.” Independence
• Miracle – Latin origin meaning “wonder of love.” Divine intervention
• Noble – Latin origin meaning “aristocratic love.” High character
• Ocean – Greek origin meaning “endless love.” Vast emotion
• Phoenix – Greek origin meaning “rising love.” Renewal and rebirth
• Quest – Latin origin meaning “search for love.” Adventure-seeking
• Radiant – Latin origin meaning “shining love.” Bright energy
• Serene – Latin origin meaning “peaceful love.” Calm emotion
• Trinity – Latin origin meaning “three-fold love.” Sacred geometry
• Unity – Latin origin meaning “oneness in love.” Complete connection

Nature-Inspired Love Names:

• Cedar – English origin meaning “strong love tree.” Enduring strength
• River – English origin meaning “flowing love.” Continuous movement
• Stone – English origin meaning “solid love foundation.” Unshakeable base
• Storm – English origin meaning “powerful love force.” Intense emotion
• Vale – Latin origin meaning “valley of love.” Peaceful setting
• Wolf – Germanic origin meaning “loyal love pack.” Family devotion
• Brook – English origin meaning “small stream of love.” Gentle flow
• Canyon – Spanish origin meaning “deep love valley.” Profound emotion
• Forest – Latin origin meaning “woodland love.” Natural connection
• Lake – English origin meaning “still love waters.” Calm depth
• Mountain – English origin meaning “high love peak.” Elevated emotion
• Ridge – English origin meaning “love’s high ground.” Elevated position
• Sky – Norse origin meaning “cloud love.” Limitless expanse
• Vale – Latin origin meaning “farewell love.” Bittersweet parting
• Wind – English origin meaning “moving love spirit.” Dynamic energy

Modern Virtue Names:

• Brave – English origin meaning “courageous love.” Fearless emotion
• Chance – French origin meaning “good fortune in love.” Lucky affection
• Dream – English origin meaning “aspiration of love.” Hopeful vision
• Faith – Latin origin meaning “trust in love.” Confident belief
• Hope – English origin meaning “expectation of love.” Optimistic outlook
• Justice – Latin origin meaning “righteous love.” Moral strength
• Peace – Latin origin meaning “tranquil love.” Calm harmony
• Promise – Latin origin meaning “pledge of love.” Commitment
• Truth – English origin meaning “honest love.” Authentic emotion
• Victor – Latin origin meaning “conqueror through love.” Triumphant spirit
• Wisdom – English origin meaning “knowledge of love.” Educated heart
• Zeal – Greek origin meaning “enthusiasm for love.” Passionate energy
• Blaze – English origin meaning “flame of love.” Burning passion
• Crown – Latin origin meaning “royal love.” Majestic emotion
• Glory – Latin origin meaning “magnificent love.” Splendid affection

Check out our unique boy names collection for more distinctive choices that stand out.

Artistic and Musical Love Names:

• Aria – Italian origin meaning “love song.” Musical expression
• Cadence – Latin origin meaning “rhythm of love.” Musical flow
• Chord – Greek origin meaning “harmony in love.” Musical unity
• Echo – Greek origin meaning “reflected love.” Responsive emotion
• Lyric – Greek origin meaning “words of love.” Poetic expression
• Melody – Greek origin meaning “love song.” Sweet sound
• Note – Latin origin meaning “mark of love.” Musical notation
• Opus – Latin origin meaning “work of love.” Creative masterpiece
• Rhythm – Greek origin meaning “flow of love.” Musical beat
• Sonnet – Italian origin meaning “little love song.” Poetic form
• Symphony – Greek origin meaning “harmonious love.” Complex beauty
• Tempo – Italian origin meaning “time of love.” Musical pacing
• Verse – Latin origin meaning “line of love.” Poetic expression
• Canvas – Latin origin meaning “surface for love art.” Creative foundation
• Palette – French origin meaning “range of love colors.” Artistic variety

Biblical and Spiritual Love Names

Scriptural love names carry profound spiritual significance, connecting your child to divine love and faith traditions that have endured for millennia.

Old Testament Love Names:

• Abel – Hebrew origin meaning “breath of love.” First righteous son
• Abraham – Hebrew origin meaning “father of many loves.” Covenant keeper
• Benjamin – Hebrew origin meaning “son of the right hand love.” Favored child
• Caleb – Hebrew origin meaning “bold love.” Courageous faith
• Daniel – Hebrew origin meaning “God is my judge of love.” Divine justice
• Elijah – Hebrew origin meaning “my God is love.” Prophetic power
• Gabriel – Hebrew origin meaning “God is my strength of love.” Angelic messenger
• Isaac – Hebrew origin meaning “laughter of love.” Joyful promise
• Jacob – Hebrew origin meaning “supplanter with love.” Wrestling with God
• Jonathan – Hebrew origin meaning “gift of love.” Loyal friendship
• Joshua – Hebrew origin meaning “God saves through love.” Military leader
• Levi – Hebrew origin meaning “joined in love.” Priestly tribe
• Michael – Hebrew origin meaning “who is like God’s love.” Archangel
• Nathan – Hebrew origin meaning “gift of love.” Prophet’s boldness
• Samuel – Hebrew origin meaning “heard by God’s love.” Called from youth
• Solomon – Hebrew origin meaning “peaceful love.” Wisest king
• Timothy – Greek origin meaning “honoring God’s love.” Faithful disciple
• Zachariah – Hebrew origin meaning “God remembers love.” Prophetic calling
• Ezekiel – Hebrew origin meaning “God strengthens love.” Visionary prophet
• Malachi – Hebrew origin meaning “my messenger of love.” Final prophet

For more options in this spiritual category, explore our biblical boy names collection.

New Testament Love Names:

• Andrew – Greek origin meaning “manly love.” First disciple
• Barnabas – Aramaic origin meaning “son of encouragement love.” Generous spirit
• Cornelius – Latin origin meaning “horn of love.” Roman centurion
• Demetrius – Greek origin meaning “devoted to love goddess.” Greek heritage
• Emmanuel – Hebrew origin meaning “God with us in love.” Christmas promise
• Felix – Latin origin meaning “happy love.” Roman governor
• Luke – Greek origin meaning “light-giving love.” Physician evangelist
• Mark – Latin origin meaning “warlike love.” Gospel writer
• Matthew – Hebrew origin meaning “gift of God’s love.” Tax collector called
• Paul – Latin origin meaning “small love.” Greatest missionary
• Peter – Greek origin meaning “rock of love.” Foundational leader
• Philip – Greek origin meaning “lover of horses.” Practical disciple
• Stephen – Greek origin meaning “crown of love.” First martyr
• Thomas – Aramaic origin meaning “twin love.” Doubting believer
• Titus – Latin origin meaning “honorable love.” Pastoral leader
• Silas – Latin origin meaning “man of the forest love.” Missionary companion
• Apollos – Greek origin meaning “destroyer through love.” Eloquent preacher
• Epaphras – Greek origin meaning “foamy love.” Church planter
• Onesimus – Greek origin meaning “useful love.” Runaway slave
• Philippi – Greek origin meaning “lover of horses city.” Church location

Saints and Religious Love Names:

• Augustine – Latin origin meaning “great love.” Church father
• Benedict – Latin origin meaning “blessed love.” Monastic founder
• Christopher – Greek origin meaning “bearer of Christ’s love.” Patron saint
• Dominic – Latin origin meaning “of the Lord’s love.” Order founder
• Francis – Latin origin meaning “free love.” Nature saint
• Gregory – Greek origin meaning “watchful love.” Pope and reformer
• Jerome – Greek origin meaning “sacred name love.” Bible translator
• Martin – Latin origin meaning “warlike love.” Reformer
• Nicholas – Greek origin meaning “victory of the people’s love.” Gift-giver
• Patrick – Latin origin meaning “noble love.” Ireland’s patron
• Sebastian – Greek origin meaning “venerable love.” Martyr saint
• Thomas – Aramaic origin meaning “twin love.” Aquinas the theologian
• Vincent – Latin origin meaning “conquering love.” Charitable works
• Xavier – Basque origin meaning “new house love.” Missionary saint
• Blaise – Latin origin meaning “lisp love.” Patron of throat ailments
• Clement – Latin origin meaning “merciful love.” Early pope
• Ignatius – Latin origin meaning “fiery love.” Loyola’s founder
• Lawrence – Latin origin meaning “from Laurentum love.” Deacon martyr
• Maurice – Latin origin meaning “dark-skinned love.” Military saint
• Raphael – Hebrew origin meaning “God heals love.” Archangel

Spiritual Virtue Love Names:

• Clemency – Latin origin meaning “merciful love.” Gentle forgiveness
• Devotion – Latin origin meaning “dedicated love.” Faithful commitment
• Emmanuel – Hebrew origin meaning “God with us love.” Divine presence
• Faith – Latin origin meaning “trust in love.” Confident belief
• Grace – Latin origin meaning “divine love favor.” Unmerited blessing
• Honor – Latin origin meaning “respect through love.” Noble character
• Justice – Latin origin meaning “righteous love.” Moral integrity
• Mercy – Latin origin meaning “compassionate love.” Forgiving heart
• Peace – Latin origin meaning “tranquil love.” Harmonious spirit
• Praise – Latin origin meaning “glorifying love.” Worship expression
• Providence – Latin origin meaning “divine care love.” God’s guidance
• Redemption – Latin origin meaning “salvation love.” Rescue from sin
• Sanctuary – Latin origin meaning “holy place love.” Sacred refuge
• Trinity – Latin origin meaning “three-in-one love.” Divine mystery
• Zion – Hebrew origin meaning “highest point love.” Heavenly city

The Growing Trend of Love-Themed Names

The shift toward meaningful baby names isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a cultural movement. Cross-cultural naming has risen 60% as parents seek unique, significant options that reflect our increasingly connected world. Ancient Romans believed that naming children after love concepts would ensure lifelong happiness, and modern parents are embracing this wisdom.

Here’s a fascinating fact: the name “Valentine” has seen a 200% increase since 2015, proving that love-inspired names resonate across generations. What’s even more remarkable? Love-themed names appear in every culture’s naming traditions, making this truly a universal desire to give our children names that embody humanity’s most cherished emotion.

Practical Tips for Choosing a Love-Themed Name

Selecting the perfect boy name that means love requires thoughtful consideration beyond just the beautiful meaning. Here are essential tips to help you make the best choice for your family:

Consider Cultural Pronunciation and Heritage

When choosing international love names, think about how they’ll sound in your daily life. Names like “Hiroshi” or “Aziz” are beautiful, but make sure you’re comfortable with the pronunciation and that it flows well with your last name. I get it—you want something meaningful, but practicality matters too. Test the name out loud with family members and friends to ensure it feels natural.

Think About Nickname Potential

Most love-themed names offer wonderful nickname options. “Benjamin” becomes “Ben” or “Benny,” “Valentine” can be “Val,” and “Christopher” shortens to “Chris.” Consider whether the nicknames feel as meaningful to you as the full name. Some parents love having options, while others prefer names that don’t naturally shorten.

Research Your Family Heritage

Many families find deeper connection by choosing love names that reflect their cultural background. If you have Irish roots, “Carwyn” or “Ronan” might resonate more than “Hiroshi.” That said, our multicultural world means any name you love can work—trust me, love is universal.

Test the Full Name Combination

Say the first, middle, and last name together multiple times. Does it flow smoothly? Are there any unfortunate rhymes or combinations? “Love” names are beautiful, but you want the entire name to sound harmonious when called across a playground or announced at graduation.

Consider Professional Implications

While “Beloved” or “Amore” might feel perfect for your baby, think about how these names will serve your child in professional settings. There’s nothing wrong with unique choices, but names like “David” or “Gabriel” offer both love meanings and traditional professional acceptance.

Balance Uniqueness with Accessibility

Unique love names are wonderful, but consider your child’s experience. Will teachers pronounce it correctly? Will other children be able to say it? Names like “Kiran” or “Ronan” offer the perfect balance—distinctive yet accessible.

The Universal Language of Love in Names

What strikes me most about names that mean love is how they transcend cultural boundaries. Whether you choose the Hebrew “David,” the Japanese “Ren,” or the Arabic “Habib,” you’re connecting your child to humanity’s most fundamental emotion. These names become daily affirmations, gentle reminders of the love that brought your child into existence.

The ancient Romans believed that names shaped destiny, and modern psychology suggests they might have been onto something. Children with meaningful names often develop stronger self-identity and confidence. When your son learns that his name means “beloved” or “blessed love,” imagine the foundation that knowledge creates for his self-worth.

Here’s what I find most beautiful: every culture has found unique ways to express love through naming. From the poetic Japanese “Haruki” (spring love) to the strong Germanic “Leofric” (beloved ruler), these names prove that love truly is the universal language.

Choosing a boy name that means love isn’t just about finding something that sounds nice—it’s about giving your child a daily reminder of the powerful emotion that brought him into the world. Whether you’re drawn to traditional classics like “David” and “Valentine,” international treasures like “Carwyn” and “Aziz,” or modern innovations like “Journey” and “River,” you’re selecting more than just a name. You’re choosing a legacy of love that will echo through every introduction, every phone call, every tender moment of your child’s life.

Trust your heart, consider your heritage, and remember—the perfect love name for your son is waiting to be discovered. After all, what could be more beautiful than a name that literally means love?

What love-themed name speaks to your heart? Share your favorites and discover even more meaningful naming inspiration in our collections of traditional, unique, and international names.