I still remember sitting on the edge of my bed, notebook open, writing and crossing out baby names like it was the most important test of my life. Naming a baby girl feels deeply personal. You’re not just picking something that sounds pretty—you’re choosing a word she’ll carry into every classroom, job interview, friendship, and milestone. For many parents, love is the feeling that sums it all up. So it makes sense to look for a name that actually means love.
If you’re drawn to names with heart, warmth, and emotional depth, you’re in the right place. Below, I’ve gathered beautiful baby girl names from different cultures and styles—all tied together by one powerful meaning: love.
Why Choose a Name That Means Love?
Love is one of those universal ideas that never goes out of style. No matter where you’re from or what language you speak, love connects us.
Choosing a name that means love can feel like:
- A quiet wish for kindness and compassion
- A reminder of how deeply wanted your child is
- A tribute to the bond you already feel
I’ve noticed that parents who lean toward love-based names often want something meaningful without being too obvious. The good news? There are plenty of options that feel subtle, elegant, and timeless.
Classic Baby Girl Names That Mean Love
Some names never fade. They’ve been around for generations, yet they still sound right at home on a newborn today.
Amy
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Beloved
Amy is short, sweet, and warm. It’s the kind of name that works just as well for a toddler as it does for a grown woman. If you like simplicity, this one is hard to beat.
Cara
- Origin: Latin / Italian
- Meaning: Dear, beloved
Cara feels affectionate without being over-the-top. It’s soft, friendly, and easy to pronounce in many languages.
Esme
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Loved, esteemed
Esme has a gentle, literary feel. It’s quietly romantic and works beautifully if you’re drawn to vintage-style names with depth.
Romantic and Elegant Names Meaning Love
If you love names that sound graceful and a little dreamy, this section might be your favorite.
Amara
- Origin: Latin, African, Sanskrit
- Meaning: Love, grace, eternal
Amara is one of those names that feels strong and soft at the same time. It’s versatile, international, and full of feeling.
Milena
- Origin: Slavic
- Meaning: Gracious, loving
This name has a flowing, romantic sound that feels straight out of a love story. Milena is beautiful without being flashy.
Carys
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Love
Pronounced CAH-riss, Carys is charming and meaningful. It’s still uncommon in many places, which makes it feel special.
Short and Sweet Girl Names With Loving Meanings
Sometimes less really is more. Short names can pack just as much emotional power as longer ones.
Mila
- Origin: Slavic
- Meaning: Gracious, dear
Mila has become popular for good reason. It’s warm, modern, and easy to say—yet it still feels meaningful.
Lina
- Origin: Arabic, Latin
- Meaning: Tender, delicate
Lina feels gentle and caring, perfect for parents who want a soft-sounding name without too many syllables.
Etta
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Ruler of the home (often associated with devotion)
While not a direct “love” meaning, Etta has a loyal, heartfelt vibe that many parents associate with strong family bonds.
Unique and Rare Names That Mean Love
If you’re hoping for something a little less common, these names stand out while still feeling approachable.
Aiko
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Child of love
Aiko is simple, beautiful, and deeply meaningful. It’s a lovely option if you appreciate names with cultural roots.
Priya
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning: Beloved
Priya is widely used in India but still feels fresh elsewhere. It carries warmth and affection right in its meaning.
Liebchen
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Little love
This name is rare and delicate, more often used as a term of endearment, but it can be a bold and heartfelt choice.
Nature-Inspired Names Connected to Love
Nature and love often go hand in hand. These names feel earthy, calm, and emotionally rich.
Rose
- Meaning: Love, beauty
A rose has symbolized love for centuries. As a name, it’s classic, graceful, and endlessly romantic.
Ivy
- Meaning: Faithfulness, devotion
Ivy represents loyalty and connection. It’s a subtle nod to lasting love and commitment.
Flora
- Meaning: Flower, blossoming life
Flora feels joyful and affectionate, like love that grows naturally over time.
International Baby Girl Names Meaning Love
Looking beyond English-language names can open up a world of beautiful possibilities.
Amour
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Love
Bold and unmistakable, Amour is a statement name. It’s not for everyone, but for the right family, it feels poetic.
Kalila
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Beloved
Kalila has a lyrical sound and a gentle presence. It’s uncommon but easy to love.
Davina
- Origin: Hebrew / Scottish
- Meaning: Beloved
Davina feels strong yet caring. It works well across different cultures and age groups.
Vintage Names With Loving Meanings Making a Comeback
Old-fashioned names are having a moment—and many of them carry beautiful meanings tied to love and devotion.
Mabel
- Meaning: Lovable
Mabel is cozy and sweet, like something out of a storybook. It feels warm and familiar without being outdated.
Adora
- Meaning: Beloved, adored
Adora is rare but powerful. The meaning is right there in the sound, making it a lovely option for parents who want clarity and heart.
Winifred
- Meaning: Blessed peacemaking (often associated with gentle love)
While longer, Winifred offers cute nicknames like Winnie, adding to its charm.
How to Choose the Right Love-Inspired Name
With so many beautiful options, narrowing it down can feel overwhelming. Here are a few practical tips that helped me (and many parents I’ve talked to):
- Say it out loud with the last name
- Picture it on an adult, not just a baby
- Check the meaning to be sure it resonates with you
- Trust your gut—the right name usually sticks
One small opinion I’ll share: I’ve found that names connected to emotion tend to age beautifully. They grow with the child, because love is something we all keep learning and redefining.
Final Thoughts
A baby girl name that means love isn’t just about definition—it’s about feeling. Whether you choose something classic like Amy, romantic like Amara, or rare like Aiko, what matters most is the connection you feel to it.
Names are gifts. And a name rooted in love is one of the most meaningful ones you can give.
If you’re still deciding, that’s okay. Sometimes the perfect name takes time—and a little love—to reveal itself.
