Meaning: love
Names that mean love
Few meanings are searched as consistently as love. Across languages, “love,” “beloved,” “dear,” and “affection” hide inside hundreds of names—some obvious, many beautifully subtle.
Why “love” is an evergreen naming search
Unlike trend words, love never goes out of style. Parents look for it to mark a long-awaited baby, to honor a relationship, or simply because the meaning feels like a blessing. The good news: love-rooted names span every style, from vintage to modern, soft to strong.
Girl names that mean love
Boy names that mean love
Love names by language
| Language / root | Means | Names |
|---|---|---|
| Latin amor / amare | love, to love | Amy, Amara, Amabel, Amadeus |
| Hebrew dod / david | beloved | David, Davina |
| Welsh car | love | Carys, Caradoc |
| Sanskrit priya | dear, beloved | Priya, Priyan |
| Greek | love (agape, eros, philia) | Agape, Philippa (loving) |
Subtle vs. literal
Some parents want the meaning front and center (Amara, Beloved); others prefer it hidden in etymology so the name reads normal at school (David, Mila). Both are valid—decide whether “love” is a private blessing or a public statement.
A note on accuracy
Name-meaning lists vary, and the same name can have several proposed roots. Before committing, cross-check the etymology in a reputable name dictionary or language source—especially for names borrowed from cultures outside your own, so the meaning and pronunciation are respectful and correct.