45 Baby Names That Mean Love

Evidence-based, parent-tested. References guidelines from the AAP, CDC, and WHO.

Informational only, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about your baby's specific needs.

A baby is the ultimate expression of love, so it only makes sense that so many parents choose names that reflect this powerful emotion. Names meaning love have been cherished across every culture and era, from the ancient Greek Aphrodite-inspired names to modern English word names like Amore. Love-themed names feel warm, inviting, and full of the tenderness that defines early parenthood.

Whether you prefer a classic name with love woven into its roots or a bold, direct declaration of affection, this collection has you covered. The 45 names below span dozens of languages and traditions, each carrying a different shade of love — from romantic passion to familial devotion to universal compassion. Every entry includes its origin and full meaning to help you choose the name that speaks to your heart. For more emotionally rich options, see our guides to baby names meaning happy and baby names meaning grace.

You might also find inspiration in our collection of Italian baby names, where romance and beauty are woven into the naming tradition.

📌 Key Takeaway: Names meaning love range from ancient classics like David to modern favorites like Mila and Esme. They carry one of the most universally positive meanings possible, making them safe yet deeply meaningful choices for any child.

Baby with loving expression

Boy Names That Mean Love

Name	Gender	Origin	Full Meaning
David	Boy	Hebrew	”Beloved”
Amadeus	Boy	Latin	”Lover of God”
Phillip	Boy	Greek	”Lover of horses”
Erasmus	Boy	Greek	”Beloved”
Caradoc	Boy	Welsh	”Beloved, amiable”
Philo	Boy	Greek	”Loving, a friend”
Carwyn	Boy	Welsh	”Blessed love”
Jedidiah	Boy	Hebrew	”Beloved of the Lord”
Amato	Boy	Italian	”Beloved”
Habib	Boy	Arabic	”Beloved, darling”
Lennon	Boy	Irish	”From an Irish surname, possibly ‘lover, sweetheart‘“
Prem	Boy	Sanskrit	”Love”
Rudo	Boy	Shona	”Love”
Sajan	Boy	Hindi	”Beloved”
Aziz	Boy	Arabic	”Beloved, dear; also ‘powerful‘“
Dragan	Boy	Slavic	”Dear, precious”
Eros	Boy	Greek	”Love, desire; the Greek god of love”
Lyubomir	Boy	Slavic	”Love and peace”

Girl Names That Mean Love

Name	Gender	Origin	Full Meaning
Amy	Girl	French, via English	”Beloved”
Mila	Girl	Slavic	”From mil, ‘gracious, dear‘“
Esme	Girl	Old French	”Esteemed, loved”
Aphrodite	Girl	Greek	”The Greek goddess of love and beauty”
Cara	Girl	Italian / Latin	”Dear, beloved; in Irish, ‘friend‘“
Amanda	Girl	Latin	”Worthy of love, lovable”
Aiko	Girl	Japanese	”Usually written 愛子, ‘child of love‘“
Cherish	Girl	English	”To hold dear”
Priya	Girl	Sanskrit	”Beloved, dear”
Milena	Girl	Slavic	”From mil, ‘gracious, dear‘“
Venus	Girl	Latin	”The Roman goddess of love”
Davina	Girl	Scottish	”Feminine form of David, ‘beloved‘“
Carina	Girl	Italian	”Dear little one”
Freya	Girl	Norse	”Lady; the Norse goddess of love”
Amada	Girl	Spanish	”Beloved”
Carys	Girl	Welsh	”Love”
Kerensa	Girl	Cornish	”Love”

More Names That Mean Love

Name	Gender	Origin	Full Meaning
Amore	Unisex	Italian	”Love”
Kealoha	Unisex	Hawaiian	”The loved one”
Ai	Unisex	Japanese / Chinese	“‘Love’ when written 愛”
Kama	Unisex	Sanskrit	”Love, desire”
Anbu	Unisex	Tamil	”Love, kindness”
Love	Unisex	English	”Love”
Agape	Unisex	Greek	”Selfless love”
Milan	Unisex	Slavic	”From mil, ‘gracious, dear‘“
Davy	Unisex	English	”Pet form of David, ‘beloved‘“
Amias	Boy	Latin, via English	”Possibly from amatus, ‘loved’”

💡 Tip: Quiet Picks — David, Amy, Mila, and Esme all mean beloved or dear, but most people will never guess it. If you want the meaning to be obvious instead, Cherish, Love, and Amore say it out loud.

Choosing a Name That Means Love

Love is a universal language, and names inspired by it come in endless varieties. Consider whether you want a name where the meaning is immediately obvious, like Love or Cherish, or one where the love connection is more subtle, like David or Mila. Both approaches are valid and beautiful. Think about family traditions, cultural heritage, and how the name pairs with siblings’ names.

Use our Baby Name Generator to discover more options or check the latest rankings on our Name Trends page.

FAQ

What is the most popular name meaning love?

David, meaning beloved in Hebrew, is one of the most enduringly popular names meaning love worldwide. For girls, Mila comes from a Slavic word meaning gracious or dear, and Amy comes from the French word for beloved. Esme, from an Old French word meaning esteemed or loved, is a shorter, less common choice.

Are there boy names that mean love?

Yes, many boy names carry meanings of love. David means beloved in Hebrew. Amadeus means love of God in Latin. Lennon, from Irish, means dear one. Habib is an Arabic name meaning beloved, and Eros is the Greek god of love. These names offer a range of styles from classic to modern.

What name means unconditional love?

Agape is a Greek name meaning unconditional or divine love, representing the highest form of love in philosophical and theological traditions. Jedidiah, meaning beloved of the Lord in Hebrew, also carries connotations of deep, unconditional affection. Cherish, while an English word name, directly conveys the idea of treasuring someone without conditions.

💡 Related Resources: Expecting? Visit our sister site pregnancy.chparenting.com for week-by-week pregnancy guides, prenatal nutrition, and labor preparation.

References

Behind the Name (2026). “Names with Meaning Containing Love.” behindthename.com
BabyCenter (2026). “Romantic Baby Names.” babycenter.com

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider with any questions about your baby's health.

Written by

Vega Lin

Founder & Editor — Mother of 2 (Taiwan)

Vega writes Baby Care Guide from the intersection of evidence-based research (AAP, CDC, WHO) and real parenting experience. Holds a Master's in Digital Innovation from Tunghai University. Read more →