400+ Names That Mean Love (Girl, Boy & Gender-Neutral Options)

Names that mean love carry something magical, don’t they? There’s this beautiful weight to choosing a name that literally translates to love, heart, or beloved. It’s like you’re wrapping your little one in warmth before they even take their first breath.

Think about it – when you call your child’s name every day, you’re essentially saying “love” or “beloved” each time. That’s pretty incredible when you really sit with it. Parents across every culture and continent have been drawn to these meaningful names for thousands of years, and honestly, it makes perfect sense.

Throughout this guide, we’ll explore over 400 names from around the world that carry the essence of love, affection, and devotion. From classic choices like Amanda and Amy to unique gems like Lempi and Fumnanya, you’ll discover options that span cultures, languages, and traditions.

We’ll break down their origins, meanings, and the beautiful stories behind them – because every name that means love has a story worth telling.

Names that Mean Love

Starting with the most direct and powerful names that literally translate to “love,” these choices carry pure intention and meaning. Each one comes from a different cultural tradition, offering parents beautiful options from around the world.

• Amor – means “love” in Latin, Spanish, and Portuguese, making it universally recognized across Romance languages
• Ai – means “love” in Japanese and Chinese, representing one of the most cherished concepts in East Asian cultures
• Amore – Italian for “love,” carrying the romantic passion associated with Italian culture and language
• Carys – Welsh origin meaning “love,” pronounced KAIR-iss, popular in Celtic naming traditions
• Eros – Greek origin meaning “love” and “desire,” named after the Greek god of passionate love
• Habibah – Arabic origin meaning “beloved” or “love,” commonly used throughout the Middle East and North Africa
• Ishq – Arabic/Urdu origin meaning “passionate love,” representing deep romantic devotion
• Kama – Sanskrit origin meaning “love” and “desire,” also the name of the Hindu god of love
• Lempi – Finnish origin meaning “love,” a modern and unique choice gaining popularity
• Liebe – German origin meaning “love,” representing the Germanic approach to this universal concept
• Luba – Slavic origin meaning “love,” popular in Eastern European countries
• Miłość – Polish origin meaning “love,” though more often used as inspiration for similar-sounding names
• Prema – Sanskrit origin meaning “divine love,” representing spiritual and unconditional love
• Pyaar – Hindi origin meaning “love,” commonly used in Indian naming traditions
• Rakkaus – Finnish origin meaning “love,” though typically used as inspiration for derivative names
• Sevgi – Turkish origin meaning “love” and “affection,” popular in Turkish culture
• Szerelem – Hungarian origin meaning “love,” representing romantic passion
• Aloha – Hawaiian origin meaning “love,” “peace,” and “compassion,” embodying the spirit of Hawaiian culture
• Agape – Greek origin meaning “unconditional love,” representing the highest form of love in Christian theology
• Kerensa – Cornish origin meaning “love,” a beautiful Celtic choice with musical qualities
• Chikondi – Chewa origin (Malawi) meaning “love,” representing African naming traditions
• Fumnanya – Igbo origin (Nigeria) meaning “love me,” expressing parental devotion
• Milovat – Czech origin meaning “to love,” though used as inspiration for related names
• Miłować – Polish origin meaning “to love,” inspiring similar derivative names
• Volim – Croatian/Serbian origin meaning “I love,” expressing active affection

Explore more beautiful names with deep cultural meanings.

Adorable Baby Names That Mean ‘Love’

These names combine the beautiful meaning of love with an especially sweet and endearing quality that makes them perfect for babies. They roll off the tongue with warmth and affection.

• Aiko – Japanese origin meaning “love child” or “beloved child,” combining ai (love) and ko (child)
• Amada – Spanish origin meaning “beloved,” the feminine form of the name Amado
• Amanda – Latin origin meaning “worthy of love” or “lovable,” a timeless classic
• Amora – Latin origin meaning “love,” a variation of Amor with a feminine ending
• Cara – Italian origin meaning “dear” or “beloved,” also means “face” in Italian
• Darling – English origin meaning “beloved” or “dear one,” expressing endearment
• Dulcie – Latin origin meaning “sweet” and by extension “beloved,” from the word dulcis
• Esme – French origin meaning “beloved” or “esteemed,” gaining popularity in recent years
• Honey – English origin meaning “sweet” and “beloved,” used as both a name and endearment
• Mila – Slavic origin meaning “gracious” or “dear,” popular across many cultures
• Priya – Sanskrit origin meaning “beloved” or “dear one,” popular in Indian culture
• Querida – Spanish origin meaning “beloved” or “dear,” expressing deep affection
• Suki – Japanese origin meaning “beloved” or “loved one,” with a playful sound
• Vida – Spanish origin meaning “life,” often interpreted as “beloved life”
• Yehudit – Hebrew origin meaning “beloved of God,” though typically shortened to Judy or Judith
• Amorette – French origin meaning “little love,” a diminutive form of amor
• Carissa – Greek origin meaning “beloved” or “grace,” combining love with divine favor
• Diletta – Italian origin meaning “beloved” or “delightful,” with musical qualities
• Kaia – Greek origin meaning “earth,” but often associated with “pure love” in modern usage
• Leeba – Yiddish origin meaning “beloved” or “love,” a traditional Jewish name
• Milena – Slavic origin meaning “gracious” or “dear,” popular in Eastern Europe
• Philomena – Greek origin meaning “lover of strength,” combining love with power
• Thelma – Greek origin meaning “wish” or “beloved,” popular in the early 20th century
• Valencia – Latin origin meaning “brave” or “strong,” often associated with love and beauty
• Winifred – Welsh origin meaning “blessed peacemaking,” often interpreted as “beloved peace”

Find more adorable names with sweet meanings for your little one.

Baby Names That Mean ‘Love’

This collection features names that directly translate to love or carry strong associations with love and affection. They represent various cultural approaches to expressing this universal emotion through naming.

• Agape – Greek origin meaning “unconditional love,” representing the highest form of love in philosophy
• Aphrodite – Greek origin meaning “born from foam,” the goddess of love and beauty
• Caleb – Hebrew origin meaning “wholehearted” or “bold,” associated with devoted love
• Cordelia – Celtic origin meaning “heart” or “daughter of the sea,” connected to matters of the heart
• David – Hebrew origin meaning “beloved,” one of the most enduring names with this meaning
• Freya – Norse origin meaning “lady” or “goddess of love,” associated with love and fertility
• Grace – Latin origin meaning “grace of God,” often associated with divine love
• Hart – English origin meaning “heart,” directly connecting to love and emotion
• Isis – Egyptian origin meaning “throne,” goddess associated with love and motherhood
• Jed – Hebrew origin meaning “beloved of God,” a shortened form of Jedidiah
• Kevin – Irish origin meaning “handsome” or “beloved,” popular across many cultures
• Lev – Hebrew/Russian origin meaning “heart,” directly connecting to love and emotion
• Mabel – Latin origin meaning “lovable,” from the phrase “amabilis”
• Naomi – Hebrew origin meaning “pleasant” or “beloved,” with biblical significance
• Oscar – Irish origin meaning “divine spear,” but often associated with “beloved friend”
• Penelope – Greek origin meaning “weaver,” but associated with faithful love through mythology
• Quinn – Irish origin meaning “descendant of Conn,” often interpreted as “beloved”
• Romeo – Italian origin meaning “pilgrim to Rome,” famous for passionate love through literature
• Stella – Latin origin meaning “star,” often used to express “star of my love”
• Tristan – Celtic origin meaning “tumult,” famous for tragic romantic love in literature
• Uma – Sanskrit origin meaning “flax,” but also associated with the goddess of love Parvati
• Venus – Latin origin meaning “love,” the Roman goddess of love and beauty
• William – Germanic origin meaning “resolute protector,” often nicknamed “beloved Billy”
• Ximena – Spanish origin meaning “listener,” but associated with beloved feminine strength
• Yuki – Japanese origin meaning “snow” or “happiness,” often combined with love characters

Browse more traditional baby names with meaningful origins.

Top Picks for Names That Mean Love

These represent the most popular and well-regarded names that mean love, chosen for their beautiful sound, cultural significance, and timeless appeal. They’re the names that consistently top lists of meaningful baby names.

• Amy – French origin meaning “beloved,” from the Latin “amata,” consistently popular across generations
• Angela – Greek origin meaning “messenger of God,” often associated with divine love and protection
• Bella – Italian origin meaning “beautiful,” often extended to mean “beautiful beloved”
• Cheryl – French origin meaning “beloved” or “darling,” popular in mid-20th century
• Darlene – English origin meaning “darling” or “beloved,” expressing deep affection
• Edmund – English origin meaning “fortunate protector,” often associated with beloved guardian
• Felicity – Latin origin meaning “happiness,” closely associated with joyful love
• Gabriel – Hebrew origin meaning “God is my strength,” often connected to divine love
• Hope – English origin meaning “hope,” representing love’s optimistic nature
• Isabella – Hebrew origin meaning “pledged to God,” often interpreted as “beloved of God”
• Jasmine – Persian origin meaning “gift from God,” associated with love and beauty
• Katherine – Greek origin meaning “pure,” often extended to “pure love”
• Lily – Latin origin meaning “lily flower,” symbolizing pure love and devotion
• Matthew – Hebrew origin meaning “gift of God,” expressing divine love
• Natalie – Latin origin meaning “born on Christmas,” associated with love and celebration
• Oliver – Latin origin meaning “olive tree,” symbolizing peace and love
• Pamela – Greek origin meaning “all sweetness,” expressing complete love
• Rebecca – Hebrew origin meaning “captivating,” associated with beloved beauty
• Sophia – Greek origin meaning “wisdom,” often connected to wise love
• Theodore – Greek origin meaning “gift of God,” expressing divine love and blessing
• Victoria – Latin origin meaning “victory,” often associated with triumphant love
• Zoe – Greek origin meaning “life,” representing love that gives life meaning
• Adrian – Latin origin meaning “from Hadria,” but associated with beloved strength
• Beatrice – Latin origin meaning “bringer of joy,” connecting happiness with love
• Christopher – Greek origin meaning “bearer of Christ,” representing divine love

Discover more top-rated baby names with beautiful meanings.

Modern Baby Names That Mean Love, Beloved

Contemporary parents are drawn to these fresh takes on love-themed names. They combine traditional meanings with modern appeal, perfect for today’s families who want something meaningful yet current.

• Aria – Italian origin meaning “air” or “melody,” modern usage associates it with “beloved song”
• Aiden – Irish origin meaning “little fire,” modern interpretation includes “fire of love”
• Brooklyn – English origin meaning “broken land,” modern usage associated with “beloved place”
• Chloe – Greek origin meaning “blooming,” contemporary association with “beloved bloom”
• Dylan – Welsh origin meaning “great tide,” modern interpretation includes “beloved wave”
• Emma – Germanic origin meaning “universal,” contemporary meaning includes “universally beloved”
• Finn – Irish origin meaning “fair,” modern usage associates it with “beloved friend”
• Gia – Italian origin meaning “God’s gracious gift,” modern association with beloved blessing
• Harper – English origin meaning “harp player,” contemporary connection to “beloved musician”
• Ivan – Russian origin meaning “God is gracious,” modern interpretation includes divine love
• Kai – Hawaiian origin meaning “sea,” contemporary association with “beloved ocean”
• Luna – Latin origin meaning “moon,” modern usage connects to “beloved light”
• Maya – Sanskrit origin meaning “illusion,” contemporary interpretation includes “beloved dream”
• Noah – Hebrew origin meaning “rest,” modern association with “beloved peace”
• Olive – Latin origin meaning “olive tree,” contemporary symbol of beloved peace
• Phoenix – Greek origin meaning “deep red,” modern association with “beloved rebirth”
• River – English origin meaning “flowing water,” contemporary connection to “beloved flow”
• Sage – Latin origin meaning “wise,” modern interpretation includes “beloved wisdom”
• Tessa – Greek origin meaning “to harvest,” contemporary association with “beloved gathering”
• Unity – Latin origin meaning “oneness,” modern symbol of beloved togetherness
• Vera – Russian origin meaning “faith,” contemporary connection to “beloved truth”
• Wren – English origin meaning “small bird,” modern association with “beloved song”
• Zara – Arabic origin meaning “blooming flower,” contemporary meaning includes “beloved blossom”
• Aspen – English origin meaning “aspen tree,” modern connection to “beloved nature”
• Blake – English origin meaning “dark” or “fair,” contemporary association with “beloved contrast”

Explore more modern naming trends and contemporary choices.

Boy Names That Mean Love, Beloved

Strong, meaningful names for boys that carry the essence of love and devotion. These names prove that expressing love through naming isn’t just for girls – these masculine choices are powerful and deeply meaningful.

• Amado – Spanish origin meaning “beloved,” a strong choice expressing deep affection
• Caleb – Hebrew origin meaning “wholehearted” or “bold,” representing devoted love and courage
• Carwyn – Welsh origin meaning “blessed love” or “fair love,” combining spirituality with affection
• Connor – Irish origin meaning “lover of hounds,” but often interpreted as “lover of loyalty”
• David – Hebrew origin meaning “beloved,” one of the most classic choices with this meaning
• Edmund – English origin meaning “fortunate protector,” representing protective love
• Felix – Latin origin meaning “happy” or “fortunate,” associated with joyful love
• Gabriel – Hebrew origin meaning “God is my strength,” connected to divine love
• Hubert – Germanic origin meaning “bright heart,” combining love with wisdom
• Isaac – Hebrew origin meaning “laughter,” representing joy and beloved happiness
• Jed – Hebrew origin meaning “beloved of God,” a strong, simple choice
• Kevin – Irish origin meaning “handsome” or “beloved,” popular across many cultures
• Lev – Hebrew/Russian origin meaning “heart,” directly connecting to love and emotion
• Miles – Latin origin meaning “soldier,” but often associated with “beloved warrior”
• Nathan – Hebrew origin meaning “gift,” representing beloved blessing
• Owen – Welsh origin meaning “noble warrior,” often interpreted as “beloved fighter”
• Philip – Greek origin meaning “lover of horses,” representing passionate devotion
• Romeo – Italian origin meaning “pilgrim to Rome,” famous for passionate love
• Samuel – Hebrew origin meaning “heard by God,” representing beloved divine connection
• Theodore – Greek origin meaning “gift of God,” expressing divine love
• Valentine – Latin origin meaning “strong” or “healthy,” famous for love associations
• William – Germanic origin meaning “resolute protector,” representing steadfast love
• Xavier – Arabic origin meaning “bright,” often associated with “beloved light”
• Zachary – Hebrew origin meaning “remembered by God,” representing beloved divine memory
• Alexander – Greek origin meaning “defender of men,” representing protective love

Find more strong and meaningful names for boys.

Girl Names That Mean Love, Beloved

Beautiful, feminine names that celebrate love in all its forms. These choices range from classic to contemporary, each carrying the special meaning of love, belovedness, or devotion.

• Aaliyah – Arabic origin meaning “high” or “exalted,” often interpreted as “beloved and elevated”
• Abigail – Hebrew origin meaning “father’s joy,” representing beloved happiness
• Adelaide – Germanic origin meaning “noble natured,” often associated with beloved nobility
• Amelia – Germanic origin meaning “work,” but contemporary association with “beloved industrious”
• Beatrice – Latin origin meaning “bringer of joy,” connecting happiness with love
• Celeste – Latin origin meaning “heavenly,” often interpreted as “beloved of heaven”
• Diana – Latin origin meaning “divine,” representing beloved goddess energy
• Esther – Persian origin meaning “star,” often associated with “beloved star”
• Faith – English origin meaning “faith,” representing beloved trust
• Grace – Latin origin meaning “grace of God,” expressing divine love
• Hannah – Hebrew origin meaning “favor” or “grace,” representing beloved blessing
• Isabella – Hebrew origin meaning “pledged to God,” often interpreted as “beloved of God”
• Josephine – Hebrew origin meaning “God will add,” representing beloved divine blessing
• Katherine – Greek origin meaning “pure,” often extended to “pure love”
• Lillian – Latin origin meaning “lily,” symbolizing pure love and devotion
• Margaret – Greek origin meaning “pearl,” representing beloved treasure
• Nicole – Greek origin meaning “victory of the people,” often associated with beloved triumph
• Olivia – Latin origin meaning “olive tree,” symbolizing peace and beloved harmony
• Penelope – Greek origin meaning “weaver,” associated with faithful love through mythology
• Rachel – Hebrew origin meaning “ewe,” but often interpreted as “beloved gentle one”
• Sophia – Greek origin meaning “wisdom,” often connected to wise love
• Teresa – Greek origin meaning “harvester,” representing beloved gathering
• Victoria – Latin origin meaning “victory,” often associated with triumphant love
• Ximena – Spanish origin meaning “listener,” representing beloved attentiveness
• Zoe – Greek origin meaning “life,” representing love that gives life meaning

Browse more beautiful girl names with special meanings.

Attractive Baby Names That Mean ‘Love’

These names not only carry the beautiful meaning of love but also have an especially appealing sound and aesthetic quality. They’re the names that make people pause and say, “What a beautiful name!”

• Adrienne – Latin origin meaning “from Hadria,” but associated with beloved elegance
• Anastasia – Greek origin meaning “resurrection,” representing beloved renewal
• Aurora – Latin origin meaning “dawn,” often associated with “beloved morning light”
• Bianca – Italian origin meaning “white,” representing pure beloved beauty
• Camila – Latin origin meaning “temple servant,” modern association with beloved devotion
• Delphine – Greek origin meaning “dolphin,” representing beloved grace
• Evangeline – Greek origin meaning “bearer of good news,” associated with beloved message
• Francesca – Italian origin meaning “from France,” representing beloved sophistication
• Genevieve – Celtic origin meaning “tribe woman,” often interpreted as “beloved leader”
• Isadora – Greek origin meaning “gift of Isis,” representing beloved divine gift
• Juliana – Latin origin meaning “youthful,” often associated with “beloved youth”
• Kassandra – Greek origin meaning “shining upon man,” representing beloved illumination
• Luciana – Latin origin meaning “light,” often interpreted as “beloved brightness”
• Magdalena – Hebrew origin meaning “from Magdala,” associated with beloved devotion
• Natasha – Russian origin meaning “born on Christmas,” representing beloved celebration
• Ophelia – Greek origin meaning “help,” famous for devoted love in literature
• Persephone – Greek origin meaning “bringer of destruction,” but associated with beloved transformation
• Quintessa – Latin origin meaning “essence,” representing beloved pure spirit
• Rosalind – Germanic origin meaning “gentle horse,” often interpreted as “beloved beauty”
• Seraphina – Hebrew origin meaning “burning ones,” representing beloved angelic love
• Tatiana – Latin origin meaning “father,” often associated with beloved daughter
• Valentina – Latin origin meaning “strong” or “healthy,” famous for love associations
• Wilhelmina – Germanic origin meaning “resolute protector,” representing beloved strength
• Xiomara – Spanish origin meaning “famous in battle,” representing beloved warrior
• Yasmin – Persian origin meaning “jasmine flower,” associated with beloved beauty

Discover more names with beautiful sounds and meanings.

Names That Mean To Love

These unique choices focus on the action of loving rather than being loved. They represent the active, giving nature of love and are perfect for parents who want to emphasize the importance of loving others.

• Agapios – Greek origin meaning “one who loves,” representing the active nature of love
• Amor – Latin origin meaning “to love,” expressing the verb form of this emotion
• Amorous – Latin origin meaning “inclined to love,” though more often used as inspiration
• Caritas – Latin origin meaning “charity” or “love,” representing love in action
• Clemency – Latin origin meaning “mercy,” representing love through forgiveness
• Devotion – Latin origin meaning “to devote,” expressing dedicated love
• Emanuel – Hebrew origin meaning “God with us,” representing divine love in action
• Fidelity – Latin origin meaning “faithfulness,” expressing loyal love
• Gracious – Latin origin meaning “showing grace,” representing love through kindness
• Hospitable – Latin origin meaning “friendly to guests,” representing love through welcome
• Charitable – Latin origin meaning “giving to others,” expressing love through action
• Compassion – Latin origin meaning “suffering with,” representing empathetic love
• Benevolent – Latin origin meaning “wishing well,” expressing love through good intentions
• Tenderness – Latin origin meaning “soft care,” representing gentle love
• Kindness – English origin meaning “being kind,” expressing love through action
• Mercy – Latin origin meaning “compassion,” representing love through forgiveness
• Pity – Latin origin meaning “compassion,” though less commonly used as a name
• Sympathy – Greek origin meaning “feeling with,” representing shared love
• Understanding – English origin meaning “comprehension,” expressing love through empathy
• Patience – Latin origin meaning “enduring,” representing love through persistence
• Tolerance – Latin origin meaning “bearing,” expressing love through acceptance
• Forgiveness – English origin meaning “pardoning,” representing love through mercy
• Acceptance – Latin origin meaning “receiving,” expressing love through welcome
• Embrace – French origin meaning “to hold,” representing love through physical affection
• Cherish – French origin meaning “to hold dear,” expressing love through treasuring

Learn more about names that inspire positive actions and values.

Girl Names That Mean Love

Continuing our exploration of beautiful feminine names that embody love, these additional choices offer even more variety for parents seeking the perfect love-themed name for their daughter.

• Aisha – Arabic origin meaning “living” or “alive,” often associated with beloved vitality
• Anabella – Latin origin meaning “lovable,” combining Anna and Bella for double beauty
• Cordelia – Celtic origin meaning “heart” or “daughter of the sea,” connected to matters of love
• Dulcinea – Spanish origin meaning “sweet,” made famous by Don Quixote’s beloved
• Esperanza – Spanish origin meaning “hope,” representing love’s optimistic nature
• Fiona – Gaelic origin meaning “fair” or “white,” often associated with beloved beauty
• Guinevere – Welsh origin meaning “white shadow,” famous for legendary love stories
• Helena – Greek origin meaning “bright light,” often interpreted as “beloved brightness”
• Isolde – Celtic origin meaning “ice ruler,” famous for tragic romantic love in legend
• Juliet – Latin origin meaning “youthful,” eternally associated with passionate love
• Keira – Irish origin meaning “dark-haired,” modern association with beloved beauty
• Layla – Arabic origin meaning “night,” famous in poetry for representing beloved darkness
• Miranda – Latin origin meaning “admirable,” representing beloved wonderful qualities
• Nerida – Greek origin meaning “sea nymph,” associated with beloved ocean spirit
• Ophelia – Greek origin meaning “help,” immortalized in literature for devoted love
• Paloma – Spanish origin meaning “dove,” representing peaceful love
• Quinn – Irish origin meaning “descendant of Conn,” often interpreted as beloved strength
• Rosalie – Latin origin meaning “rose,” symbolizing beautiful love
• Stella – Latin origin meaning “star,” often used to express “star of my love”
• Thalia – Greek origin meaning “to blossom,” representing flourishing love
• Una – Irish origin meaning “one,” representing unified love
• Vera – Russian origin meaning “faith,” representing beloved truth and trust
• Willa – Germanic origin meaning “resolute protector,” representing strong love
• Yara – Arabic origin meaning “small butterfly,” representing beloved transformation
• Zelda – Germanic origin meaning “gray fighting maid,” representing beloved warrior spirit

Explore more beautiful names for girls with meaningful origins.

International Names That Mean Love

Love is truly universal, and these names from around the world prove that every culture has beautiful ways to express this fundamental human emotion through naming traditions.

European Love Names

• Carwen – Welsh origin meaning “blessed love” or “fair love,” representing Celtic tradition
• Milena – Slavic origin meaning “gracious” or “dear,” popular across Eastern Europe
• Kerensa – Cornish origin meaning “love,” a beautiful choice from Celtic Cornwall
• Liesl – German origin meaning “pledged to God,” often interpreted as “beloved of God”
• Lucia – Italian origin meaning “light,” representing beloved illumination

Asian Love Names

• Harpreet – Punjabi origin meaning “love of God,” combining devotion with divine love
• Gurpreet – Punjabi origin meaning “love of the guru,” representing spiritual love
• Priti – Sanskrit origin meaning “love” and “joy,” a beautiful double meaning
• Manami – Japanese origin meaning “love” and “beauty,” combining two cherished concepts
• Xinyi – Chinese origin meaning “heart” and “joy,” representing joyful love

African Love Names

• Chikondi – Chewa origin (Malawi) meaning “love,” representing Southern African tradition
• Thandi – Zulu origin meaning “beloved,” popular across Southern Africa
• Fumnanya – Igbo origin (Nigeria) meaning “love me,” expressing parental devotion
• Abasiama – Ibibio origin (Nigeria) meaning “God loves me,” combining divine and human love
• Tumelo – Setswana origin meaning “faith,” representing beloved trust

Names from the Americas

• Querida – Spanish origin meaning “beloved” or “dear,” expressing deep affection
• Vida – Spanish origin meaning “life,” often interpreted as “beloved life”
• Yaretzi – Aztec origin meaning “you will always be loved,” a powerful statement
• Itzel – Mayan origin meaning “rainbow lady,” associated with beloved beauty
• Nahuel – Mapuche origin meaning “jaguar,” representing powerful beloved strength

Discover names from specific cultural traditions and their meanings.

Names That Mean Heart, Soul, or Affection

The heart represents the center of emotion and love, making heart-themed names especially meaningful for parents who want to emphasize the emotional depth of their choice.

• Corazon – Spanish origin meaning “heart,” a direct and powerful choice
• Cordelia – Celtic origin meaning “heart” or “daughter of the sea,” literary and beautiful
• Kardea – Greek origin meaning “heart,” a modern variation of Cardia
• Libi – Hebrew origin meaning “my heart,” expressing personal beloved connection
• Dil – Hindi origin meaning “heart,” simple and meaningful
• Qalb – Arabic origin meaning “heart,” though more often used as inspiration
• Sydän – Finnish origin meaning “heart,” though typically inspires similar names
• Hjärta – Swedish origin meaning “heart,” usually used for inspiration
• Kokoro – Japanese origin meaning “heart” or “spirit,” representing emotional center
• Sim – Korean origin meaning “heart,” though often combined with other elements
• Cardiac – Latin origin meaning “of the heart,” though more medical than personal
• Chest – English origin meaning “heart area,” rarely used but meaningful
• Core – English origin meaning “center,” representing the heart of things
• Essence – Latin origin meaning “inner nature,” representing the heart of being
• Soul – English origin meaning “spirit,” representing the deepest part of self
• Spirit – Latin origin meaning “breath,” representing life force and heart
• Psyche – Greek origin meaning “soul,” representing the heart of consciousness
• Anima – Latin origin meaning “soul,” representing the heart of life
• Pneuma – Greek origin meaning “spirit,” representing breath and heart
• Vida – Spanish origin meaning “life,” representing the heart of existence
• Essence – French origin meaning “being,” representing core heart
• Center – Latin origin meaning “middle,” representing heart position
• Nucleus – Latin origin meaning “core,” representing heart center
• Pith – English origin meaning “essence,” representing heart matter
• Marrow – English origin meaning “inner substance,” representing heart depth

Find more names with deep symbolic meanings.

Names That Mean Beloved, Dearest, or Adored

These names carry the special quality of being cherished and treasured, perfect for parents who want to express how deeply their child is loved and valued.

• Adora – Latin origin meaning “adored,” expressing deep reverence and love
• Amy – French origin meaning “beloved,” from Latin amata, consistently popular
• Cara – Italian origin meaning “dear” or “beloved,” also meaning “face”
• Diletta – Italian origin meaning “beloved” or “delightful,” with musical qualities
• Esma – Arabic origin meaning “supreme,” often interpreted as “most beloved”
• Habibah – Arabic origin meaning “beloved” or “dear one,” popular in Islamic culture
• Imogen – Celtic origin meaning “beloved child,” with literary connections
• Jedidah – Hebrew origin meaning “beloved of God,” expressing divine love and favor
• Kara – Turkish origin meaning “beloved” or “dear,” also used in other cultures
• Liebling – German origin meaning “darling” or “beloved,” though more often used as inspiration
• Mabel – Latin origin meaning “lovable,” from the word amabilis meaning worthy of love
• Nadira – Arabic origin meaning “rare” or “precious,” expressing beloved uniqueness
• Osita – Igbo origin meaning “beloved” or “dear one,” from Nigerian culture
• Precious – Latin origin meaning “of great worth,” expressing beloved value
• Querida – Spanish origin meaning “beloved” or “dear,” a term of endearment
• Riya – Sanskrit origin meaning “singer,” often associated with “beloved voice”
• Sweetheart – English origin meaning “beloved person,” though rarely used as formal name
• Thandie – Zulu origin meaning “beloved,” popular in Southern African culture
• Umlilo – Zulu origin meaning “fire,” often associated with “beloved flame”
• Vida – Spanish origin meaning “life,” often interpreted as “beloved life”
• Widad – Arabic origin meaning “love” or “affection,” expressing tender feelings
• Ximara – Spanish origin meaning “famous in battle,” often associated with “beloved warrior”
• Yasmina – Arabic origin meaning “jasmine flower,” representing beloved beauty
• Zenaida – Greek origin meaning “life of Zeus,” often interpreted as “beloved of God”
• Adoree – French origin meaning “adored one,” expressing worship and love
• Beloved – English origin meaning “dearly loved,” though more descriptive than typical name
• Cherished – French origin meaning “held dear,” expressing treasured love
• Darling – English origin meaning “dear one,” a classic term of endearment
• Esteemed – Latin origin meaning “highly regarded,” expressing respected love
• Favored – Latin origin meaning “preferred,” expressing chosen love
• Treasured – French origin meaning “valued highly,” expressing precious love

Explore more names that express deep affection and value.

Names Inspired by Mythology and Romance

Mythological names carry the weight of ancient stories and the power of gods and goddesses who ruled over love, beauty, and romance. These choices connect your child to timeless tales of passion and devotion.

• Aphrodite – Greek origin meaning “born from foam,” the goddess of love and beauty herself
• Venus – Latin origin meaning “love,” the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility
• Inanna – Sumerian origin meaning “lady of heaven,” ancient goddess of love and war
• Ishtar – Babylonian origin meaning “goddess,” powerful deity of love and fertility
• Freya – Norse origin meaning “lady,” goddess of love, beauty, and fertility in Viking culture
• Astarte – Phoenician origin meaning “goddess,” deity of love and war in ancient Middle East
• Hathor – Egyptian origin meaning “house of Horus,” goddess of love, beauty, and motherhood
• Lofn – Norse origin meaning “comforter,” goddess who blessed forbidden loves
• Cupid – Latin origin meaning “desire,” the Roman god of love with his famous arrows
• Eros – Greek origin meaning “love,” the primordial god of love and desire
• Kama – Sanskrit origin meaning “love,” the Hindu god of love and desire
• Angus – Celtic origin meaning “one strength,” Irish god of love and youth
• Aengus – Irish origin meaning “true vigor,” god of love, youth, and poetic inspiration
• Balder – Norse origin meaning “prince,” god associated with love, light, and purity
• Adonis – Greek origin meaning “lord,” beautiful youth beloved by Aphrodite
• Paris – Greek origin meaning “wager,” Trojan prince whose love started the Trojan War
• Tristan – Celtic origin meaning “tumult,” knight famous for tragic romantic love
• Isolde – Germanic origin meaning “ice ruler,” legendary lover in medieval romance
• Guinevere – Welsh origin meaning “white phantom,” Arthur’s queen in romantic legend
• Lancelot – French origin meaning “land,” knight famous for forbidden love
• Romeo – Italian origin meaning “pilgrim,” Shakespeare’s passionate lover
• Juliet – Latin origin meaning “youthful,” Shakespeare’s devoted beloved
• Cleopatra – Greek origin meaning “glory of the father,” queen famous for powerful love affairs
• Helen – Greek origin meaning “light,” beauty whose love launched a thousand ships
• Penelope – Greek origin meaning “weaver,” faithful wife who waited for love’s return

Discover more names from classical mythology and ancient stories.

Comprehensive Name Lists

Here are organized tables of love-themed names for quick reference, making it easy to compare options and find the perfect choice for your little one.

Popular Girl Names That Mean Love

Name	Origin	Meaning	Popularity
Amanda	Latin	Worthy of love	Classic
Amy	French	Beloved	Timeless
Cara	Italian	Dear, beloved	Modern
Mila	Slavic	Gracious, dear	Trending
Stella	Latin	Star of love	Popular
Grace	Latin	Divine love	Classic
Sophia	Greek	Beloved wisdom	Top choice
Isabella	Hebrew	Beloved of God	Very popular
Olivia	Latin	Peaceful love	Trending
Emma	Germanic	Universal beloved	Top ranked

Strong Boy Names That Mean Love

Name	Origin	Meaning	Style
David	Hebrew	Beloved	Classic
Caleb	Hebrew	Wholehearted	Traditional
Gabriel	Hebrew	God’s beloved	Spiritual
Theodore	Greek	God’s gift of love	Vintage
Alexander	Greek	Beloved protector	Strong
Samuel	Hebrew	Beloved of God	Biblical
Matthew	Hebrew	Gift of love	Classic
William	Germanic	Beloved protector	Timeless
Michael	Hebrew	Who is like beloved God	Popular
Daniel	Hebrew	Beloved of God	Traditional

Unique Gender-Neutral Names

Name	Origin	Meaning	Appeal
Amor	Latin	Love	Universal
River	English	Beloved flow	Nature-inspired
Phoenix	Greek	Beloved rebirth	Mythological
Sage	Latin	Beloved wisdom	Modern
Quinn	Irish	Beloved strength	Trendy
Kai	Hawaiian	Beloved ocean	Simple
Rowan	Gaelic	Beloved tree	Nature
Avery	English	Beloved ruler	Contemporary
Riley	Irish	Beloved meadow	Popular
Jordan	Hebrew	Beloved flow	Classic

International Love Names by Region

Region	Name	Meaning	Pronunciation
Japanese	Ai	Love	AH-ee
Arabic	Habibah	Beloved	hah-BEE-bah
Welsh	Carys	Love	KAHR-iss
Italian	Amore	Love	ah-MORE-ay
Finnish	Lempi	Love	LEM-pee
Spanish	Querida	Beloved	keh-REE-dah
Hebrew	Ahava	Love	ah-hah-VAH
Hindi	Priti	Love, joy	PREE-tee
Russian	Lev	Heart	LYEF
Turkish	Sevgi	Love	SEV-gee

Browse comprehensive baby name lists organized by theme and origin.

The Power and Symbolism of Love in Names

Love has always been the universal language, hasn’t it? Ancient civilizations understood this deeply. The Egyptians named their children after their gods of love, the Greeks honored Aphrodite through their naming traditions, and cultures across Africa, Asia, and the Americas have always woven love into their most cherished names.

When you choose a name that means love for your child, you’re doing something profound. You’re setting an intention, expressing your deepest hopes, and connecting your little one to generations of parents who believed that love – in all its forms – is worth celebrating every single day.

These names reflect our values as humans. They show what we treasure most: connection, affection, tenderness, and the bonds that tie us together. A name meaning love becomes a daily affirmation, a gentle reminder of what matters most in this world.

Discover more meaningful baby names that celebrate life’s most beautiful concepts.

Girl Names That Mean Love

Girls’ names that mean love are absolutely stunning, and there’s such incredible variety across different cultures. Let me walk you through some of the most beautiful options, organized by their origins.

Latin & Romance Languages

Latin-based names have this timeless elegance that never goes out of style. Amanda remains one of the most beloved choices – it literally means “worthy of love” or “lovable.” There’s something so classic and strong about this name.

Amada brings that same energy with a Spanish flair, while Amore – well, that’s just pure romance right there. If you want something a bit more unique, Diletta from Italian means “beloved” and has this lovely, musical quality when you say it out loud.

Asian Origins

Asian cultures have gifted us some of the most beautiful love-themed names. Ai is gorgeously simple – just two letters that mean “love” in both Japanese and Chinese. Aiko takes it a step further, combining “love” and “child” in Japanese.

Suki means “beloved” and has this playful, sweet sound. Mai can mean “love” in Japanese, and Koharu combines “heart” with “spring” – imagine the poetry in that combination!

African Origins

African names often carry deep spiritual meaning along with love. Abasiama from Nigeria means “God loves me” – what a powerful statement to carry through life. Thandi from Zulu means “beloved,” and Penda from various African languages means “love.”

Hebrew and Arabic

Ahava is the Hebrew word for love itself – pure and simple. Habibah from Arabic means “beloved” or “dear one.” Vida can mean “beloved” in Hebrew and has this vibrant, life-affirming energy.

Other Unique Names

Aphrodite – the goddess of love herself – is definitely a bold choice. Inanna was the ancient Mesopotamian goddess of love and beauty. From Finnish, Lempi means “love” and feels fresh and modern. Priti from Sanskrit means both “love” and “joy” – a beautiful double meaning.

Explore more unique girl names with special meanings and origins.

Boy Names That Mean Love

Boys’ names with loving meanings might be less common, but they’re absolutely beautiful and carry such strength. Let’s explore some wonderful options.

Caleb has Hebrew origins and can mean “wholehearted” or “bold,” but it’s also associated with devotion and love. Hubert from Germanic roots means “bright heart” – such a lovely combination of light and love.

Lev is simple and powerful – it means “heart” in Hebrew and Russian. Carwyn from Welsh means “blessed love” or “fair love.” Amado brings that romantic Spanish flair, meaning “beloved.”

From mythology, we have Cupid and Eros – the gods of love themselves. These names definitely make a statement! They’re bold choices that wear their meaning proudly.

Find more strong and meaningful boy names for your little one.

Gender-Neutral Names That Mean Love

The world is embracing gender-neutral names more than ever, and love-themed options are especially beautiful because love itself knows no boundaries.

Amor works perfectly in multiple languages – Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin. It’s universal, recognizable, and simply means “love.” Ceri from Welsh means “love” and has this gentle, flowing sound.

Chikondi from Malawi means “love,” Ife from Yoruba means “love,” and Ren from Japanese can mean “love” or “lotus.” Xinyi from Chinese combines “heart” and “joy” – what a beautiful sentiment.

These names reflect modern values while honoring ancient traditions. They’re perfect for parents who want their child’s name to transcend traditional gender expectations while celebrating love.

Names That Mean Heart, Soul, or Affection

The heart is such a powerful symbol in naming traditions worldwide. These names capture that essence beautifully.

Ajei from Navajo means “heart,” connecting your child to Native American heritage. Koharu combines “heart” and “spring” in Japanese – imagine the renewal and hope in that meaning. Asgre from Old Norse means “heart of the gods.”

Corazon is Spanish for “heart” and has this warm, embracing quality. Libi means “my heart” in Hebrew – so personal and tender. Tyas from Sanskrit means “heart,” and Ura from Japanese can mean “heart” or “bay.”

The symbolism of the heart in names goes beyond just love – it represents courage, compassion, and the center of our being. When you choose a heart-themed name, you’re celebrating all these qualities.

Discover more names with deep symbolic meanings and cultural significance.

Names That Mean Beloved, Dearest, or Adored

There’s something so tender about names that mean “beloved.” They carry this sense of being cherished, treasured, and deeply valued.

Amy comes from the French “Aimée,” meaning “beloved.” It’s been a favorite for generations because it’s both classic and timeless. Adora literally means “adored” – can you imagine anything sweeter?

Diletta from Italian means “beloved” and has this musical quality. Querida is Spanish for “beloved” or “dear one.” Carissa means “beloved” or “dear” and has Greek origins.

Habibah from Arabic means “beloved,” Thandie from various African languages means “beloved,” and Imogen from Celtic roots means “beloved child.”

These names carry the message that this child is deeply loved and valued – what a beautiful foundation for a life.

Names Inspired by Mythology and Romance

Mythology gives us some of the most powerful love-themed names. These names carry stories, legends, and the weight of ancient wisdom.

Aphrodite – the Greek goddess of love and beauty – is definitely a statement name. Venus is her Roman counterpart and feels slightly more approachable. Inanna was the ancient Mesopotamian goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. Ishtar is another powerful goddess of love from ancient Babylon.

From Norse mythology, Lofn was the goddess who blessed forbidden loves – what a romantic backstory!

For names meaning “romantic,” “passion,” or “desire,” we have Desiree from French, meaning “desired” or “wished for.” Kama from Sanskrit refers to love and desire. Tutku from Turkish means “passion,” and Siran from Armenian means “lovely” or “attractive.”

These mythological names connect your child to powerful stories of love, beauty, and divine feminine energy.

International Names That Mean Love

Let’s take a journey around the world to explore how different cultures express love through names.

European Love Names

From Celtic traditions, Kerensa means “love” in Cornish. Carwen and Carys from Welsh both relate to love and are absolutely beautiful. Milena from Slavic origins means “gracious” or “dear.”

Asian Love Names

India gives us Harpreet and Gurpreet, both meaning “love of God.” Priti means “love” and “joy” – such a positive combination of meanings.

African Love Names

Chikondi from Malawi, Thandi from Southern Africa, and Fumnanya from Nigeria all mean “love” in their respective languages. These names carry the warmth and community spirit of African cultures.

Names from the Americas

Querida and Vida bring Spanish-speaking heritage, while Yaretzi from Aztec origins means “you will always be loved.”

Explore beautiful names from different cultures and their meanings.

Modern Trends: Naming Your Child After Love

Love-themed names are having a real moment right now. Parents are moving beyond traditional choices and embracing names that carry deeper meaning and cultural significance.

Celebrities have definitely influenced this trend. When public figures choose meaningful names for their children, it often inspires other parents to think more deeply about their choices. The rise of social media has also made us more aware of beautiful names from different cultures.

Modern parents want names that tell a story, that carry intention, and that connect their children to something bigger than themselves. Love-themed names check all these boxes perfectly.

When choosing a love-themed name, think about how it sounds with your last name, how it might be shortened or nicknamed, and whether it fits with any siblings’ names you might already have.

Tips for Choosing a Name That Means Love

Choosing the perfect name is both exciting and overwhelming. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Pronunciation matters. Make sure you and your family can pronounce the name easily, and that others won’t struggle with it constantly. There’s nothing wrong with choosing a unique name, but your child will be saying and hearing this name every day.

Cultural significance is important too. If you’re drawn to a name from a culture that isn’t your own, take time to understand its full meaning and context. Some names carry deep spiritual or cultural significance that should be respected.

Think about uniqueness vs. familiarity. Do you want a name that stands out, or something more classic? Both choices are valid – it’s about what feels right for your family.

Family heritage can play a role. Maybe there’s a love-themed name in your family tree that could be modernized or honored.

Combining names can create something beautiful too. You might pair a love-themed first name with a family middle name, or vice versa.

Comprehensive Lists

Here’s a quick reference table of some beautiful love-themed names:

Girl Names	Meaning	Origin
Amanda	Worthy of love	Latin
Ai	Love	Japanese/Chinese
Habibah	Beloved	Arabic
Lempi	Love	Finnish
Priti	Love, joy	Sanskrit

Boy Names	Meaning	Origin
Caleb	Wholehearted	Hebrew
Lev	Heart	Hebrew/Russian
Amado	Beloved	Spanish
Carwyn	Blessed love	Welsh

Gender-Neutral	Meaning	Origin
Amor	Love	Latin/Spanish
Ren	Love	Japanese
Chikondi	Love	Malawi
Ife	Love	Yoruba

Browse our complete collection of meaningful baby names organized by theme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular names that mean love?
Amanda, Amy, and Cara remain classics for girls, while David (meaning beloved) is popular for boys. Modern favorites include Aiden, which can mean “little fire of love.”

Are there any rare or unique names that mean love?
Absolutely! Names like Lempi (Finnish), Fumnanya (Nigerian), and Diletta (Italian) are beautiful and uncommon. These unique choices are perfect for parents wanting something special.

How do meanings differ across languages?
It’s fascinating how love translates differently. Some languages focus on being “beloved” (like Amanda), others on the emotion itself (like Ai), and some combine love with other concepts (like Koharu meaning “heart spring”).

Final Thoughts

Choosing a name that means love is about so much more than just picking something that sounds nice. It’s about wrapping your child in intention, hope, and the most powerful force in the universe – love itself.

Whether you choose a classic like Amanda, an international gem like Chikondi, or a mythological powerhouse like Aphrodite, you’re giving your child a daily reminder of what matters most. Every time someone says their name, they’re essentially saying “love” or “beloved” – and that’s pretty magical.

The perfect name is out there waiting for you and your little one. Trust your instincts, honor your heritage, and choose something that makes your heart sing. After all, love is the best foundation any child could have, and a name that celebrates that love is a gift that lasts a lifetime.

Continue exploring meaningful names and find the perfect choice for your growing family.