PDF download Download Article
Naming expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson shares beautiful & romantic names that mean or are associated with love
PDF download Download Article

Are you an expectant parent looking for a name that means “love” for your little bundle of joy? Or, are you a writer looking for a name that means “love” for a character you’re creating? Either way, you’re bound to find the perfect option in our extensive list! We’ve compiled all the best love names we could find for both boys and girls, including popular and unique options, with help from naming expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

The Best Names That Mean Love

Naming expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson recommends the following names that mean “love” or are associated with love for boys and girls:

  • Options for girls: Ahava, Amara, Amy, Carys, Davina, Esmé, Mila, Philomena
  • Options for boys: Amias, Carwyn, David, Eros, Hart, Lev, Philip, Romeo
Section 1 of 7:

Popular Girl Names that Mean “Love”

PDF download Download Article
  1. These names that mean “love” are popular classics that have withstood the test of time, which means you pretty much can’t go wrong with them! They’re perfect if you’re looking for a name that everyone knows and loves.
    • Adora: “Beloved,” Latin origin.
    • Aiko: “Little loved one” or “beloved child,” Japanese origin.
    • Amanda: “Worthy of love” or “lovable,” Latin origin.
    • Amara: “Beloved” or “grace,” Igbo, Sanskrit, and Spanish origins.[1]
    • Aimee/Amy: “Beloved,” Latin origin.[2]
    • Amabel: “Lovable” or “beautiful,” Latin and British origin.
    • Annabel: “Lovable,” Latin origin.
    • Amora: “Love,” Latin origin.
    • Aphrodite: Greek goddess of love and beauty.
    • Cara: “Beloved one,” Italian origin.
    • Carina: “Dear” or “beloved,” Latin origin.
    • Cher: “Beloved,” French origin.
    • Cheryl: “Beloved,” French origin.
    • Cora: “Beloved” or “heart,” French and Greek origins.
    • Cordelia: “Heart,” Latin origin.
    • Davina: “Beloved,” Hebrew origin.[3]
    • Esme: “Loved” or “esteemed,” French and Latin origin.[4]
    • Freya: Norse goddess associated with love.[5]
    • Lennon: “Lover” or “sweetheart,” Gaelic origin.
    • Love: “Love,” British origin.
    • Mabel: “Lovable,” Latin origin.
    • Malia: “Beloved,” “wished-for child,” or “star of the sea,” Hawaiian and Hebrew origins.[6]
    • Mandy: “Loved” or “to be admired,” Latin origin.
    • Maria: “Beloved,” “wished-for child,” or “star of the sea,” Latin, Hebrew, and Greek origins.
    • Mariah: “Beloved,” “wished-for child,” or “the Lord is my teacher,” Latin and Hebrew origins.
    • Mary: “Beloved,” “wished-for child,” or “rebelliousness,” Latin origin.
    • Maryam: “Beloved,” Hebrew origin.
    • Mia: “Beloved,” “mine,” or “wished-for child,” Italian origin.
    • Mila: “Dear one” or “gracious,” Russian origin.[7]
    • Mina: “Love,” German origin.
    • Nayeli: “I love you,” Native American origin.
    • Noa: “Love” or “affection,” Japanese origin.
    • Philomena: “Lover of strength,” Greek origin.[8]
    • Philippa: “Lover of horses,” Greek origin.
    • Pippa: “Lover of horses,” Greek origin.
    • Priya: “Loved one,” Hindi origin.
    • Suki: “Beloved,” Japanese origin.
    • Thandi: “One who loves deeply,” African origin.
    • Venus: Roman goddess of love.[9]

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson is a naming expert and consultant. She shares name meanings and naming tips with her over 20k followers on her Instagram, @little_name_library.

  2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 7:

Unique Girl Names that Mean “Love”

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you want to surround your daughter with some serious star quality, consider choosing one of these unique or lesser-known names that mean “love.” With one of these rare options, your little girl is sure to turn heads and make a lasting impression!
    • Abasiama: “Loved by God,” Nigerian origin.
    • Ahava: “Love,” Hebrew origin.[10]
    • Amadea: “Loved by God.”
    • Amandine: “Worthy of love,” French origin.
    • Amia: “Love,” Latin origin.
    • Amorette: “Beloved,” Latin origin.
    • Caera: “Beloved one,” Italian origin.
    • Caoimhe: “Gentle” or “beloved,” Irish origin.
    • Caralie: “Beloved one,” Latin origin.
    • Caramia: “My beloved,” Italian origin.
    • Carita: “Love” or “esteem,” Swedish origin.
    • Carwen: “Love” or “blessed,” Welsh origin.
    • Carys: “To love,” Welsh origin.[11]
    • Ceinwen: “Lovely” or “blessed,” Welsh origin.
    • Cinta: “Love,” Indonesian origin.
    • Cordula: “Love,” German origin.
    • Davita: “Beloved,” Hebrew origin.
    • Diletta: “Beloved,” Italian origin.
    • Dodi: “Beloved,” Hebrew origin.
    • Elska: “Love,” Norse origin.
    • Femi: “Love,” Egyptian origin.
    • Filomena: “Beloved,” Greek origin.
    • Ifunanya: “Love,” Igbo origin.
    • Inanna: Mesopotamian goddess of love, war, and fertility.
    • Ismay: “Beloved” or “esteemed,” French origin.
    • Kalila: “Beloved,” Arabic origin.
    • Kama: “Love,” Sanskrit origin.
    • Kerensa: “Love,” Cornish origin.
    • Lempi: “Love,” Finnish origin.
    • Lida: “Loved by all,” Russian origin.
    • Mai: “Real love” or “dance,” Japanese origin.
    • Maitea: “Love,” Spanish origin.
    • Minette: “Love,” German origin.
    • Mirna: “Beloved,” Gaelic origin.
    • Penda: “Beloved,” African origin.
    • Priti: “Love” or “joy,” Indian origin.
    • Querida: “Beloved,” Spanish origin.
    • Rabina: “Lovable” or “beloved,” Nepali origin.
    • Yaretzi: “You will always be loved,” Aztec origin.[12]
Section 3 of 7:

Popular Boy Names that Mean “Love”

PDF download Download Article
  1. These well-known and well-liked names that mean “love” are perfect choices if you want a sure thing. They’re classics that have remained constants throughout history, which means they never go out of style!
    • Aiko: “Love,” “fortune,” or “child,” Japanese and German origins.
    • Amor: “Loving,” Latin origin.
    • Aziz: “Beloved,” Arabic origin.
    • Caleb: “Whole of my heart,” Hebrew origin.
    • Canan: “Love,” Turkish origin.
    • Connelly: “Love” and “friendship,” Irish origin.
    • Connor: “Lover of hounds,” Irish origin.
    • Cupid: God of love in Roman mythology.
    • David: “Beloved,” Hebrew origin.[13]
    • Davis: “Beloved” or “loved by God,” Welsh and Hebrew origins.
    • Daryl: “Beloved” or “daring,” French, British, and Irish origins.
    • Davin: “Loved,” Welsh origin.
    • Dewey: “Beloved” or “loved by God,” Welsh and Hebrew origins.
    • Hubert: “Bright heart,” German origin.
    • Ife: “Love,” Jamaican and Nigerian origins.
    • Jedidiah: “Beloved of the lord,” Hebrew origin.
    • Kevin: “Beloved birth,” Irish origin.
    • Leif: “Love,” Scandinavian origin.
    • Lennon: “Lover,” Irish origin.
    • Leonard: “Lover,” Irish origin.
    • Lev/Levi: “Heart” or “joined,” Hebrew origin.[14]
    • Marion: “Beloved,” “wished-for child,” or “star of the sea,” French, Latin, Hebrew, and Greek origins.​​[15]
    • Milos: “Beloved,” Slavic origin.
    • Noa: “Love” or “affection,” Japanese origin.
    • Obi: “Heart,” Nigerian and Hebrew origins.
    • Oscar: “Deer-lover,” Irish, Gaelic, British, and Norse origins.
    • Paris: After Paris, France, city of love.
    • Philip: “Lover of horses,” Greek origin.[16]
    • Phil: “Lover of horses,” Greek origin.[17]
    • Reese: “Ardor” or “enthusiasm,” Welsh origin.
    • Ren: “Love” or “lotus,” Japanese origin.
    • Rhys: “Ardor” or “enthusiasm,” Welsh origin.
    • Romeo: After Romeo from Romeo and Juliet. It also means “pilgrim of love.”[18]
    • Thad: “Heart,” British and Aramaic origins.
    • Thaddeus: “Heart,” “friend,” or “gift of God,” Aramaic and Greek origins.
    • Valentine: After St. Valentine/Valentine’s day.
  2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 7:

Unique Boy Names that Mean “Love”

PDF download Download Article
  1. These lesser-known and lesser-used names that mean “love” are perfect for a totally one-of-a-kind little boy. With options like these, there’s a big chance your little one won’t share a name with anyone in his class, which is an added bonus!
    • Agapito: “Beloved,” Greek and Latin origins.
    • Amadeus: “Lover of God,” Latin origin.
    • Amandus: “Worthy of love,” Latin origin.
    • Amias: “Loved,” Latin origin.[19]
    • Arma: “Love,” Finnish origin.
    • Armas: “Love,” Finnish origin.
    • Aroha: “Love,” Maori origin.
    • Bes: God of love in Egyptian mythology.
    • Caomh: “Gentle” or “beloved,” Irish origin.
    • Caomhán: “Beloved” or “gentle,” Irish origin.
    • Caron; “Loving” or “kind,” Welsh origin.
    • Cartach: “Loving,” Irish origin.
    • Carwyn: “Blessed love,” Welsh origin.[20]
    • Ceri: “To love” or “blessed poetry,” Welsh origin.
    • Daven: “Beloved,” Hebrew origin.
    • Daviel: “Beloved,” Hebrew origin.
    • Eldad: “God is love,” Hebrew origin.
    • Elmo: “Love,” Greek, Latin, and Italian origin.
    • Erasmus: “Beloved,” Greek origin.
    • Eros: “Love,” Greek origin.[21] Also the god of love in Greek mythology.
    • Euston: “Heart,” Irish origin.
    • Gotelieb: “Love of God,” German origin.
    • Hart: “Heart” or “brave spirit.”[22]
    • Jeb: “Beloved friend,” Hebrew origin.
    • Kalyan: “Lovely,” Indian origin.
    • Kendi: “The loved one,” Swahili origin.
    • Leibe: “Love,” German origin.
    • Leiber: “Love,” Yiddish origin.
    • Lubomir: “Love” and “peace,” Czech origin.
    • Lubor: “Love,” Czech origin.
    • Lubos: “Love,” Slavic origin.
    • Mahbub: “Beloved,” Arabic origin.
    • Prem: “Love” or “affection,” Thai and Sanskrit origins.[23]
    • Zuko: “Loved one,” Chinese origin.
Section 5 of 7:

Gender-neutral Names that Mean “Love”

PDF download Download Article
  1. Select a unisex name that isn't traditionally masculine or feminine. “There are also beautifully romantic gender neutral leaning names that feel romantic and poetic rather than gendered,” says Dr. Wilson.[24] For example:
  2. Advertisement
Section 6 of 7:

What makes a name sound romantic?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Romantic names sound lyrical and are often associated with love stories. “What makes a name sound romantic is often the way it feels rather than what it literally means,” notes Dr. Wilson. “Romantic-sounding names tend to feel soft, lyrical, and emotionally warm.” She says, “They often have flowing vowels, gentle consonants, and roots in poetry, myth, or old love stories.” So, “these are names that feel beautiful when spoken.”[30]
Section 7 of 7:

More Baby Names

PDF download Download Article
  1. Looking for even more baby names? We’ve got you covered! Check out these fun lists for even more options to choose from:
  2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Girl Names That Mean Love200+ Best Girl Names that Mean Love
Names That Mean Beautiful200 Beautiful Names That Literally Mean Beautiful
Names That Mean Hope310+ Baby Names That Mean Hope, Strength, & Miracles
Names That Mean Ocean100 Beautiful Names That Mean “Ocean” or “Sea”
Names That Mean PinkThe Best Baby Names Meaning “Pink”
Unpopular Girl Names250+ Rare & Uncommon Girl Names In the U.S. That You’ll Adore
Beautiful Rare Girl Names205 Beautiful & Rare Girl Names for Your Little One
Names That Mean Light200+ Lovely Girls', Boys', and Unisex Names That Mean Light
Names That Mean Gift from God130+ Angelic Names That Mean "Gift from God" or “Blessing”
Irish Names That Mean BlessedIrish Baby Names That Mean Blessed or Are Related to Blessings
Coolest NamesThe 160 Coolest Baby Names (with Meanings)
Names That Mean Death200+ Baby Names That Mean Death & Darkness for Boys & Girls
Hebrew Names for Girls215+ Common Jewish & Hebrew Girl Names (with Meanings)
Flower Names for Girls160+ Unique Flower Names for Girls (with Origins & Meanings)
Advertisement

References

  1. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  2. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  3. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  4. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  5. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  6. https://www.thebump.com/b/malia-baby-name
  7. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  8. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  9. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  1. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  2. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  3. https://www.familyeducation.com/baby-names/list-ideas/naming-trends/108-gentle-baby-boy-names-with-a-softer-side
  4. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  5. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  6. https://www.thebump.com/b/marion-baby-name
  7. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  8. https://www.familyeducation.com/baby-names/list-ideas/naming-trends/108-gentle-baby-boy-names-with-a-softer-side
  9. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  10. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  11. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  12. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  13. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  14. https://www.familyeducation.com/baby-names/list-ideas/naming-trends/108-gentle-baby-boy-names-with-a-softer-side
  15. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  16. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  17. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  18. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  19. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  20. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  21. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  22. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  23. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  24. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  25. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  26. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  27. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  28. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  29. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  30. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  31. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview
  32. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson. Naming Expert. Expert Interview

About This Article

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson
Co-authored by:
Naming Expert
This article was co-authored by Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson and by wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson is a naming consultant and early childhood expert based in Liverpool, England. Dr. Wilson shares name meanings, naming tips, and other inspiration on social media @little_name_library to over 20k followers on instagram. Dr. Wilson is also a Senior Lecturer in Practice & Employability for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health & Wellbeing degree at Edge Hill University and has extensive experience working with children during early childhood. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood and Adolescence Studies, a Master’s degree in Research, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Liverpool John Moores University.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 3
Updated: January 15, 2026
Views: 476
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 476 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement