Baby Names That Mean Love

Beautiful, Meaningful Names Rooted in Connection, Compassion, and the Heart

Few words carry as much meaning as love. It’s the feeling that reshapes your life the moment you find out you’re expecting. It’s what keeps you up at night imagining the future and what grounds you when everything feels overwhelming. For many parents, love isn’t just an emotion — it’s the foundation they want to build their child’s life upon.

That’s why baby names that mean love resonate so deeply. These names carry stories of devotion, connection, kindness, and warmth. Some speak directly to romantic love, others to familial love, divine love, or love for humanity. Across cultures and languages, love has always inspired names that feel timeless, emotional, and powerful.

If you’re searching for a baby name that reflects the depth of your heart, this guide explores baby names that mean love, along with names connected to affection, devotion, compassion, and belovedness — each with its own story and feeling.

Why Parents Choose Names That Mean Love

For new parents, choosing a name is an act of intention. A name tied to love can feel like:

• A wish for how your child moves through the world
  
  
• A reflection of how deeply wanted they are
  
  
• A reminder of kindness, empathy, and connection
  
  
• A grounding value in an ever-changing world
  
  

Love-based names feel especially meaningful in early parenthood, when emotions run high and the bond with your baby feels both fragile and unbreakable.

Girl Names That Mean Love

Amara

Amara has roots in multiple cultures, often connected to love, grace, and eternal beauty. It feels modern yet timeless, strong yet soft.

Vibe: Warm, soulful, elegant
Why parents love it: Cross-cultural, meaningful, easy to say

Esme

Of French origin, Esme means “beloved” or “esteemed.” This name feels tender and intimate, like a whispered affection.

Vibe: Gentle, romantic, refined
Why it works: Short, soft, emotionally rich

Mila

With Slavic roots, Mila means “gracious” or “dear,” often associated with love and affection. It’s light, joyful, and widely loved.

Vibe: Sweet, approachable, joyful
Why parents choose it: Modern popularity with genuine warmth

Carys

A Welsh name meaning “love.” Carys is elegant and distinctive, offering a beautiful alternative to more common names.

Vibe: Poetic, thoughtful, unique
Why it works: Rare but intuitive in pronunciation

Aimee

From the French word aimé, meaning “beloved.” Aimee is classic and affectionate, directly tied to love itself.

Vibe: Romantic, timeless, soft
Why parents love it: Literal meaning without feeling heavy

Freya

Often associated with love, beauty, and devotion in Norse mythology, Freya carries emotional depth and feminine strength.

Vibe: Mythical, confident, warm
Why it resonates: Powerful yet nurturing

Priya

Of Sanskrit origin, Priya means “beloved.” It’s gentle, melodic, and deeply meaningful.

Vibe: Kind, warm, luminous
Why it works: Universally loving meaning

Boy Names That Mean Love

David

A classic Hebrew name meaning “beloved.” David has endured for centuries because of its emotional depth and strength.

Vibe: Timeless, grounded, sincere
Why parents choose it: Familiar yet deeply meaningful

Theo

Derived from Theodore, Theo often symbolizes divine love or “gift of God.” It feels modern while carrying spiritual warmth.

Vibe: Gentle, thoughtful, contemporary
Why it works: Short, warm, widely loved

Amor

Latin for “love,” Amor is bold, direct, and poetic. While uncommon, it feels intentional and expressive.

Vibe: Romantic, artistic, confident
Why it stands out: Strong meaning, simple form

Lev

Of Hebrew and Slavic origin, Lev means “heart.” It symbolizes emotional depth, courage, and love.

Vibe: Minimal, soulful, strong
Why parents love it: Short but powerful

Rhys

Often associated with passion and enthusiasm, Rhys carries an emotional warmth beneath its strong sound.

Vibe: Confident, energetic, warm
Why it works: Traditional with modern appeal

Gender-Neutral Names Connected to Love

Love

As a virtue name, Love is simple, bold, and deeply intentional. It reflects a parent’s core value in the most direct way.

Vibe: Pure, emotional, symbolic
Why parents choose it: Unapologetically meaningful

Darcy

Often linked to “dear one” or affection, Darcy feels warm and literary.

Vibe: Soft, romantic, timeless
Why it works: Gentle and approachable

Amari

Associated with love and strength in multiple cultures, Amari feels modern and soulful.

Vibe: Smooth, stylish, warm
Why it resonates: Balanced and versatile

Names That Symbolize Love (Without Literally Meaning Love)

Some names don’t translate directly to “love” but are deeply connected to it through symbolism.

Rose

A universal symbol of love, beauty, and devotion.

Valentina / Valentino

Connected to Valentine’s Day, these names symbolize romance and affection.

Ruby

Often associated with passion and deep emotion.

Juliet

A literary name forever linked to love, devotion, and emotional depth.

Choosing a Love-Inspired Name for Your Baby

When choosing a name that means love, consider:

• What kind of love resonates most with you (gentle, passionate, unconditional)
  
  
• Whether you want the meaning to be obvious or subtle
  
  
• How the name feels when spoken aloud in everyday moments
  
  

The right name often feels less like a decision and more like a recognition — something that already belongs to your child.

Final Thoughts 

Love is the reason behind every baby name search. Choosing a name that carries love in its meaning is a way of honoring the bond you already share with your child and the life you’re building together.

In a world that can feel loud and uncertain, love-based names offer something steady and timeless. They remind us that kindness matters, connection matters, and love — in all its forms — is always worth choosing.

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