Finding the perfect name for a child can be a difficult process for expecting parents with seemingly endless options and likely differing opinions between mom and dad.
Plus, there are always other friends and family members offering their two cents on the perfect moniker while you wait the nine long months to meet your little one. As someone who's been obsessed with names and their meanings since very young, I know I probably pestered my brother and his wife a bit too much while they whittled down names for my nephew.
That said, if you happen to know any couples in the family who are still searching for a name, you might want to pass along all of the heartwarming options listed below — each one originates from a sentiment of love and affection, something the newborn will no doubt be surrounded by as soon as they finally make their way into the world.
Take a look at these 17 baby names that actually mean "love" or "loved," and let us know in the comments if we missed your favorite.
And don't forget to SHARE with your friends and family!
Thumbnail source: Wikimedia Commons
1. Leannan
Though it might sound more feminine to some, this is a male Gaelic word for "sweetheart" or "beloved," but I think it would suit a boy or girl nicely.
2. Amias
This French boy's name is derived from the Latin word amatus, which means "loved."
3. Davin
In Hebrew and French, this boy's name means "dearly loved" and "beloved."
However, in Norse culture, the meaning is "intelligent," which is obviously still a nice sentiment.
4. Davina
Like Davin, this female derivative of David from Biblical and Hebrew tradition means "loved" and "cherished."
5. Myrna
This name has several different meanings across different cultures, but in Irish and Celtic it is interpreted as "beloved."
Silent-movie actress Myrna Loy helped popularize the moniker back in the 1920s and '30s.
6. Lowell
English tradition defines this boy's name as "dearly loved."
It is also used as a last name in French with a more wild meaning: "wolf cub."
7. Amada
This feminine form of "Amado" translates to "loved" in Spanish cultures.
8. Freya
Norse cultures have passed the name of this Scandinavian goddess of love, fertility, and beauty to their little girls.
9. Kalila
Popular in Arabic cultures, this sweet moniker for baby girls means "dearly loved," sweetheart," and "beloved."
11. Wilmer
In ancient Teutonic cultures, the name means "loved."
English speakers later evolved the moniker to signify someone who is resolute and famous.
12. Aiko
This traditional Japanese name for girls breaks down in two parts: "Ai," meaning "love," and "ko," meaning child. Combined together, the name means "child of love."
13. Jed
Short for Jedidiah, the Biblical Hebrew name hearkens back to a definition meaning "beloved by the Lord" and "friend of the Lord."
14. Adabel
Another Teutonic moniker, this quaint girl's name means "lovely," "loved," or "happy."
15. Dewey
In Hebrew culture, it means "cherished" and "beloved," while traditional Welsh defines it as "the Lord's."
16. Darla
This shortened version of Darlene obviously comes from the word "darling" and is interpreted as "lovable" or "dear one" in the English tradition.
17. Lida
Also spelled "Leda," this Slavic girl's name means "loved by all."
Did we miss your favorite baby name that actually means "love"? Let us know below, and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
