Baby Names That Mean Love

It’s the most romantic time of the year…Valentine’s Day is almost here! Is your baby due in February? If so then you may want to consider giving your baby a romantic name that embraces the season of love! Need some inspiration? Look no further, we’ve rounded up the most popular names, and some more unusual ones, that literally mean love!

[Post updated January 2026]

Choosing a baby name is one of the earliest and most emotional decisions many expectant parents make. A given name becomes part of a child’s identity from the moment it is spoken for the first time, shaping how they are introduced to the world and how they come to understand themselves as they grow. For some families the priority is choosing a traditional name that feels timeless and familiar, while others search for a unique name with a sweet meaning or a more unusual name that stands apart.

For many parents, however, the idea of selecting a name connected to love feels especially meaningful. Love can represent romantic love, familial love, spiritual love or the simple joy of welcoming a beloved child into the family. Names that carry love meanings appear across different cultures, languages and historical periods. Some translate directly to “love” or “beloved”, while others symbolise devotion through nature, mythology or virtue. Whether you are drawn to French origin elegance, Hebrew origin depth, Latin origin classics or modern gender-neutral names, there are countless beautiful options to explore.

Names That Literally Mean Love

Some of the most obvious love names are those whose exact meaning translates directly to “love” or “beloved”. These names often come from Latin origin, Hebrew origin or French name traditions and have been adapted across centuries.

Amora is one of the clearest examples, derived from the Latin word for love. It has a soft, flowing sound and vintage vibes without feeling outdated. Parents looking for an unusual name often appreciate Amora because it is distinctive but still intuitive to pronounce.

Esme or Esmée, a French origin name meaning “loved” or “esteemed”, has steadily risen in popularity. It feels refined yet warm, striking a balance between classic name familiarity and modern style.

Mila appears in several languages and is often interpreted as “gracious” or “dear”, giving it an affectionate undertone. Its international appeal makes it a popular girl name across Europe and beyond.

Carys, with Welsh and Irish name roots, translates directly to love. It has a lyrical sound and remains less common than many top baby names, which makes it appealing for families wanting something meaningful without being overused.

Love in Mythology and Ancient Stories

Long before modern popularity charts existed, love appeared frequently in mythology and ancient storytelling. These names continue to feel relevant because they are tied to enduring themes of beauty, devotion and connection.

Aphrodite, from Greek mythology, is the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. While bold and dramatic, it appeals to parents influenced by fantasy novel worlds or ancient history.

Freya, from Scandinavian origin mythology, represents love and beauty in Norse legend. Unlike Aphrodite, Freya has become a mainstream choice and frequently appears among popular girl names in England and Wales.

Venus, from Roman mythology, symbolises romantic love and desire while also carrying celestial associations.

Eros, another Greek origin name, is directly linked to passionate love. It is rarer and often used as a middle name, but its meaning is unmistakable.

Romantic Names from Different Cultures

Looking beyond English-speaking countries opens up a wide range of love-linked names that feel fresh while still meaningful. Drawing inspiration from different cultures can also be a way to honour heritage or simply choose a name that resonates personally.

Suki, a Japanese name, is often shared as meaning “beloved” or “liked”. With Japanese names, the exact meaning can change depending on the characters used, but it consistently carries warm connotations.

Aiko, also of Japanese origin, translates to “child of love” and conveys tenderness in a very direct way.

Priya, from Sanskrit, means “dear one” or “beloved” and has remained elegant and timeless for generations.

Aziza, an Arabic name, means “precious” or “beloved” and pairs strength with affection.

These names demonstrate how the idea of love transcends language and geography, appearing consistently across centuries and societies.

Nature Names That Symbolise Love

Not all love names are literal translations. Many symbolise romantic love or devotion through flowers, trees or natural imagery that has long been associated with affection and beauty.

Rose is perhaps the most recognisable example. Roses are widely connected with admiration and romance, making Rose, Rosie or Rosalie enduring classic names.

Ivy symbolises eternity and faithfulness. In ancient times, wreaths of ivy were worn by newlyweds in ancient Greece to show their loyalty and devotion to each other.

Elm and Elowen draw from the elm tree, representing strength and grounding. These nature names appeal to parents seeking symbolism without overt romantic references.

Dove represents peace and love simultaneously, offering a gentle and spiritual tone.

Virtue and Character Names with Loving Meanings

Another approach is choosing a virtue name that embodies qualities often associated with love, such as kindness, harmony or grace. These names may not translate directly to the word love but reflect emotional values many parents hope to instil.

Amity, derived from Latin origin, means friendship and unity.

Grace remains a classic name with spiritual undertones and connotations of elegance and kindness.

Hope and Faith continue to appear among top baby names because they hold optimistic associations that feel reassuring and timeless.

Gender-Neutral Love Names

Modern naming trends increasingly include gender-neutral picks that allow flexibility while still carrying emotional weight. A lot of names that literally mean love fall more naturally as baby girl names, however this selection could work as boy names and gender neutral too.

Valen and Valentine have clear links to Valentine’s Day names and romantic love, yet remain adaptable, they can be shortened easily to “Val”.

Ari, a short Hebrew origin name, is widely embraced as a gender-neutral choice.

Rowan, another popular option, has nature connections and a calm, grounded feel.

Literary and Cultural Associations

Some names are romantic because of the stories attached to them rather than their literal meanings. Literature, music and historical love stories influence how a name is perceived.

Romeo and Juliet immediately evoke Shakespeare’s love story.

Guinevere, from Arthurian legend, carries medieval elegance.

June, sometimes associated culturally with June Carter Cash, has gentle nostalgic charm and a bookish vibe.

More Romantic Baby Names That Mean Love (Quick Ideas)

If you like the idea of a love name but none of the main options feel quite right, these additional choices offer a mixture of classic, unusual and vintage name styles with short back stories or sweet meanings:

• Aimee (French origin) – “beloved.”
• Amadea / Amadeo (Latin origin) – “love of God.”
• Amorette (French twist) – “little love.”
• Carina (Latin origin) – “dear one” or “beloved.”
• Cherie (French name) – “darling.”
• Davina (Hebrew origin) – feminine form of David, often interpreted as “beloved.”
• Lennox (Scottish origin) – not a literal love meaning, but a popular gender-neutral pick with romantic hero energy.
• Philippa / Philip (Greek origins) – literally “lover of horses,” a fun fact name that still fits the love theme.
• Valentina/Valentin (Latin name) – culturally tied to Valentine’s Day and romantic love.

Meanings can shift slightly across languages, and with some names, particularly Japanese names, the exact meaning depends on spelling, so it is always worth checking the original characters if the meaning is especially important to you.

Choosing the Perfect Baby Name with Love in Mind

When deciding on the perfect baby name, parents often weigh popularity against individuality, cultural origin against modern style and emotional resonance against practicality. Some families prefer a classic name with subtle symbolism, while others are drawn to a unique name that clearly reflects romantic love or spiritual love.

There is no single better way to choose. The perfect choice is the one that feels right to the parents and reflects the special bond they already feel with their child.