Baby Names That Mean Love

Naming a child after love is one of the oldest traditions in human culture. Long before written records, parents gave their children names that expressed the deepest hope they had for them — that they would be loved and that they would know how to love.

The names in this guide span dozens of languages and cultures, from the Hebrew David (meaning beloved) to the Igbo Amara (meaning grace and love) to the Japanese Ai (meaning love itself). What connects them all is that the actual etymology — the root meaning of the name — ties directly to love, affection, devotion, or belovedness.

If you are drawn to names that carry warmth and tenderness, you might also want to explore baby names that mean beautiful or baby names that mean hope for more options with a gentle, positive spirit.

One of the remarkable things about names meaning love is how differently each culture expresses the concept — and yet how universally the intention resonates.

In Hebrew, David and its feminine form Davina both mean "beloved," making them among the oldest continuously-used love names in the world. Jedidiah means "beloved of the Lord" and carries deep biblical significance. Ahava and Ahuva translate directly to "love" and "beloved." For more names rooted in this tradition, see our guide to Hebrew baby names.

Arabic offers some of the most poetic love names. Habib and Habiba mean "beloved" and are used across the Arabic-speaking world. Kalila means "dearly loved," while Aziz conveys both belovedness and strength — a reminder that in Arabic culture, to be loved and to be respected are deeply connected.

Celtic traditions — Welsh, Irish, Cornish, and Scottish — are rich with love names. The Welsh Carys and Cerys both come from the root "caru" meaning "to love." Kerensa is Cornish for love. The Irish Grainne carries connotations of love and charm, while Connelly means "love and friendship."

In Sanskrit and Hindi, Priya (beloved), Prem (love), and Kama (love and desire) are names that have been used for millennia. Lalita means "charming and beloved," while Maitri refers to loving-kindness — a concept central to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Japanese love names tend to be subtle and layered. Ai means love directly. Aiko means "child of love." Manami combines love and beauty, and Suki carries the meaning of fondness and affection. Many Japanese love names use kanji characters that can be read with multiple shades of meaning.

Romance languages have produced some of the most beloved love names in the Western world. The French naming tradition gives us Aimee (loved) and Amorette (little love), while Italian baby names like Cara (dear), Caro (beloved), and Amadeo (lover of God) carry an unmistakable warmth.

African naming traditions offer powerful love names as well. The Igbo Amara means "grace and love." The Yoruba Femi means "love me" and Ife translates to "love." The Zulu Thando means love, and the Shona Rudo carries the same meaning.

When selecting a name that means love, there are a few practical things worth considering beyond the meaning itself.

Sound and flow matter. Say the full name aloud — first, middle, and last — multiple times. Names meaning love tend to have soft, vowel-rich sounds (Amara, Priya, Carina), but some are stronger and more grounded (David, Conn, Habib). Think about what tone fits your family's style.

Consider the cultural connection. If a name comes from a culture that is not your own, take time to learn its full context. Understanding where a name comes from enriches the story you will one day tell your child about why you chose it.

Think about nicknames. Many love names lend themselves to natural shortenings — Valentina to Val or Tina, Philomena to Mena, Amadeus to Ama. Consider whether you like the likely nicknames as much as the full name.

Check for meaning in multiple languages. Some names carry beautiful meanings in one language but may sound like ordinary or less flattering words in another. A quick search in the languages spoken in your community can save future awkwardness.

Above all, a name meaning love is a gift you give your child on day one — a reminder, built into the very first word they learn to recognize, that they arrived into the world deeply wanted. If you are still weighing options, our list of popular baby girl names includes several love-inspired choices that are trending right now.