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 Amara. They carry one of the most universally positive meanings possible, making them safe yet deeply meaningful choices for any child.

Boy Names That Mean Love
| Name | Gender | Origin | Full Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| David | Boy | Hebrew | ”Beloved, dear one” |
| Amadeus | Boy | Latin | ”Love of God, beloved by God” |
| Phillip | Boy | Greek | ”Lover of horses, friend” |
| Erasmus | Boy | Greek | ”Beloved, desired, longed for” |
| Leif | Boy | Norse | ”Heir, beloved descendant” |
| Connell | Boy | Irish | ”Strong as a wolf, love and friendship” |
| Carwyn | Boy | Welsh | ”Blessed love, fair love” |
| Jedidiah | Boy | Hebrew | ”Beloved of the Lord” |
| Amato | Boy | Italian | ”Beloved, dear one” |
| Habib | Boy | Arabic | ”Beloved, darling, dear” |
| Lennon | Boy | Irish | ”Dear one, lover, sweetheart” |
| Premo | Boy | Italian | ”First, beloved, cherished” |
| Rudo | Boy | Shona | ”Love, affection” |
| Sajan | Boy | Hindi | ”Beloved, lover, dear one” |
| Kaleb | Boy | Hebrew | ”Devotion, whole-hearted love” |
| Thierry | Boy | French | ”Ruler of the people, beloved leader” |
| Eros | Boy | Greek | ”God of love, romantic desire” |
| Darrell | Boy | English | ”Dearly loved, open” |
Girl Names That Mean Love
| Name | Gender | Origin | Full Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amara | Girl | Latin/African | ”Grace, beloved, eternal” |
| Mila | Girl | Slavic | ”Gracious, dear, beloved” |
| Esme | Girl | French | ”Esteemed, beloved, loved” |
| Aphrodite | Girl | Greek | ”Goddess of love and beauty” |
| Cara | Girl | Italian | ”Beloved, dear, precious” |
| Amanda | Girl | Latin | ”Worthy of love, lovable” |
| Aiko | Girl | Japanese | ”Beloved child, child of love” |
| Cherish | Girl | English | ”To hold dear, treasure, love” |
| Priya | Girl | Sanskrit | ”Beloved, dear one” |
| Milena | Girl | Slavic | ”Gracious, pleasant, beloved” |
| Venus | Girl | Latin | ”Goddess of love, beauty” |
| Davina | Girl | Scottish | ”Beloved, cherished one” |
| Carina | Girl | Italian | ”Dear one, beloved little one” |
| Freya | Girl | Norse | ”Noble woman, goddess of love” |
| Amada | Girl | Spanish | ”Beloved, loved one” |
| Suki | Girl | Japanese | ”Beloved, love, affection” |
| Kerensa | Girl | Cornish | ”Love, affection” |
Unisex Names That Mean Love
| Name | Gender | Origin | Full Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amore | Unisex | Italian | ”Love, deep affection” |
| Paris | Unisex | Greek | ”Lover, city of love” |
| Denver | Unisex | French | ”From the green valley, beloved” |
| Kama | Unisex | Sanskrit | ”Love, desire, wish” |
| Darcy | Unisex | French | ”Dark one, from the fortress, beloved” |
| Love | Unisex | English | ”Deep affection, devotion” |
| Agape | Unisex | Greek | ”Unconditional love, divine love” |
| Milan | Unisex | Slavic | ”Gracious, dear, beloved” |
| Vida | Unisex | Spanish/Hebrew | ”Life, beloved, dearly loved” |
| Amory | Unisex | German | ”Brave, powerful, loving” |
💡 Tip: Trending Picks — Amara, Lennon, Freya, and Esme are the love-themed names making the biggest splash in 2026. They blend modern style with romantic roots, offering names that are both fashionable and full of heart.
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 and Amara have both surged in recent years. Esme, meaning esteemed and beloved in French, has gained significant traction thanks to its elegant simplicity.
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.
References
- Nameberry (2026). “Baby Names Meaning Love.” nameberry.com
- Behind the Name (2026). “Names with Meaning Containing Love.” behindthename.com
- BabyCenter (2026). “Romantic Baby Names.” babycenter.com
Written by
Hannah LewisCertified Lactation Consultant & Baby Nutrition Writer
Hannah is a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) and baby nutrition writer with a background in public health. She helps new parents navigate breastfeeding challenges and infant feeding transitions with practical, research-backed advice.
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