English Girl Names That Mean Love
English girl names that mean love arrive by more than one route — through pet names, word names, and a single Irish endearment — as this list of 142 shows.
Names253
OriginEnglish
MeaningLove
GenderGirl
Most naming themes cluster around one language family or one root word, but this one doesn't. Mollie and May both descend from Mary, whose Hebrew meaning is often given as 'beloved,' while Love and Cherish skip translation entirely and just say the word.
Alannah carries the same idea from Irish, built from an endearment that literally means 'darling child,' and Darla reaches the same meaning through English 'darling' itself. Between the direct word names and the borrowed endearments sit names like Marian, where love shows up quietly, folded into a much older name.
Why English girl names that mean love take so many forms
Word names like Love and Cherish are the most direct route, naming the feeling outright. Others get there through 'beloved' as an old, secondary meaning: Mollie and May both trace to Mary, where beloved has long been offered as one possible sense. English girl names that mean love also arrive by borrowing — Alannah comes straight from an Irish endearment for a darling child.
Familiar names, less obvious roots
Not every name here reaches love by definition alone — some carry it in feeling. Rosie's warmth comes from its flower, not a translated word, and Loretta's tenderness is more inherited tone than literal meaning, borrowed from Laura's 'little laurel crown.' Marlee, Marian, and Jenny round out the list as familiar, well-loved names whose histories run through meadows, compound biblical roots, and old nickname chains rather than the word love itself.
Names List
Rosie#283 in the U.S.Little rose; the rose flower, symbol of love and beautyPronounced ROH-zee▶Mae#501 in the U.S.Spelling variant of May, the fifth month; also a pet form of Mary (meaning 'beloved' or 'bitter') and MarPronounced MAY▶Marlee#536 in the U.S.Feminine form of Marley, from the English surname Marley (from Old English mearc-leah meaning 'boundary mPronounced MAR-lee▶Loretta#606 in the U.S.Diminutive of Laura, from Latin laurus meaning 'bay laurel' — the plant used to crown Roman victors; LorePronounced luh-RET-ah▶Darla#941 in the U.S.English name derived from darling, an Old English term of endearment meaning beloved one or dear little oPronounced DAR-lah▶Love#957 in the U.S.From the Old English lufu meaning love, affection, or deep devotion, used as a given name expressing the Pronounced LUV▶Marian#1151 in the U.S.Beloved; a blend of Mary (Hebrew Miriam: beloved, bitter, wished-for) and Ann (Hebrew Hannah: grace, favoPronounced MAIR-ee-un▶Mollie#1206 in the U.S.Bitter or beloved; English pet form of Mary, from Hebrew Miriam (bitter, beloved, or wished-for child)Pronounced MOL-ee▶May#1357 in the U.S.The month of May; also pearl or beloved as a pet formPronounced MAY▶Jenny#1388 in the U.S.God is gracious, belovedPronounced JEN-ee▶Cherish#1480 in the U.S.An English vocabulary name from the verb 'cherish', meaning 'to treasure' or 'to hold dear', ultimately fPronounced CHEHR-ish▶Alannah#1506 in the U.S.from the Irish endearment a leanbh meaning "O child, darling"Pronounced uh-LAN-uh▶Adore#1643 in the U.S.From the English verb 'adore', via Old French from Latin 'adorare' ('to worship, pray to'); used as a modPronounced uh-DOR▶Klover#1765 in the U.S.Stylized spelling of Clover, the plant name from Old English clafre, associated with good luck.Pronounced KLOH-ver▶Lennyn#1827 in the U.S.LoverPronounced LEHN-uhn▶Philomena#1833 in the U.S.To be lovedPronounced fihl-uh-MEE-nuh▶Charity#2037 in the U.S.Dearness, esteem, lovePronounced CHEHR-uh-tee▶Tegan#2060 in the U.S.DarlingPronounced TEE-guhn▶Lovely#2088 in the U.S.LovelyPronounced luv-lee▶Amorah#2144 in the U.S.LovePronounced am-OHR-ah▶Ellamae#2405 in the U.S.whole, universal and belovedPronounced EL-uh-may▶Teigan#2810 in the U.S.DarlingPronounced TEE-guhn▶Mallie#3062 in the U.S.Pet form of Molly or Mary, from the Hebrew Miryam meaning bitter or beloved; also a diminutive of Amalia Pronounced MAL-ee▶Lovelyn#3140 in the U.S.Modern English coinage combining 'love' (from Old English 'lufu') and the suffix '-lyn,' creating the senPronounced LUV-uh-lin▶Joanie#3235 in the U.S.God is gracious; affectionate pet form of Joan, from Hebrew YochananPronounced JOH-nee▶Darling#3339 in the U.S.Beloved, dear one; from Old English deorling, 'darling, favorite', also an English surnamePronounced DAR-ling▶Maryanne#3469 in the U.S.Compound of Mary — often linked to 'beloved' — and Anne, 'grace'Pronounced mair-ee-AN▶Dawsyn#3513 in the U.S.Feminine -syn spelling of Dawson, an English surname meaning 'son of David' — David from Hebrew 'beloved'Pronounced DAW-sin▶Fannie#3654 in the U.S.Pet form of Frances — from Latin Franciscus, 'Frenchman, free one' — a beloved Victorian-era American namPronounced FAN-ee▶Marillyn#3916 in the U.S.Marillyn is a respelling of Marilyn, a blend of Mary — from the Hebrew Miriam — and the suffix -lyn or LyPronounced MAIR-uh-lin▶Lovella#4078 in the U.S.Elaboration joining 'love' (or Lovel, 'wolf cub') to the -ella ending; read 'little loved one'Pronounced loh-VELL-ah▶Darlyn#4205 in the U.S.Modern name from 'darling' (Old English deorling, 'dearly loved') with the -lyn ending; Darlene linesPronounced DAR-lin▶Lovelynn#4419 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining Love to the -lynn ending, echoing 'lovely'; no single fixed rootPronounced LUV-lin▶Passion#4528 in the U.S.From the word passion — Latin passio, 'suffering; strong emotion, fervor, love'Pronounced PASH-ən▶Merikay#4533 in the U.S.Merikay is a compound name pairing Mary with Kay, a fashion of the mid-twentieth century for run-togetherPronounced MERR-ih-kay▶Lovina#4718 in the U.S.From Lavinia (a legendary Latin name, of uncertain meaning); also echoes 'love'; here a vintage Amish/MenPronounced loh-VEE-nah▶Renn#5247 in the U.S.Double-n spelling of Wren/Ren — Old English 'a wren' (a small bird), and/or Japanese, 'lotus, love'; herePronounced REN▶Marolyn#5310 in the U.S.Marolyn is a spelling variant of Marilyn, the early-twentieth-century blend of Mary and the fashionable -Pronounced MAIR-uh-lin▶Sheryl#5402 in the U.S.Sh-spelling of Cheryl — a 20th-century blend of Cherie ('dear, beloved', French) and Beryl, possibly linkPronounced SHAIR-əl▶Lakeyn#5513 in the U.S.-eyn spelling of Laken/Lakyn — a modern name, 'from the lake', or echoing the Middle English 'lakin', a pPronounced LAY-kən▶Darleth#5644 in the U.S.A modern Latina coinage — echoing Darlene/'darling' ('dearly loved', English) with a -leth ending (as in Pronounced dar-LETH▶Darlin#5645 in the U.S.From 'darling' — Old English deorling, 'dearly loved, a beloved one'; also a short form of Darlene; routePronounced DAR-lin▶Marilouise#5827 in the U.S.Marilouise is a compound double name joining Mary and Louise into a single word. Mary comes through HebrePronounced mair-ee-loo-EEZ▶Lovie#5877 in the U.S.From the word lovie/lovey — 'a beloved one; a sweetheart' (an affectionate term of endearment, from love)Pronounced LUV-ee▶Morine#6176 in the U.S.Morine is a spelling variant of Maureen or Moreen, an anglicized form of the Irish Mairin, a pet form of Pronounced muh-REEN▶Darely#6202 in the U.S.A modern Latina coined name echoing 'darling' (the dear one) and the trendy -ely names; no single fixed rPronounced DAIR-lee▶Davis#6204 in the U.S.From the English surname Davis — 'son of David' (David, from Hebrew, 'beloved'); predominantly a boys'/suPronounced DAY-vis▶Loveta#6279 in the U.S.Loveta reads as a warm coinage built on the English word love with a diminutive -eta ending; it has no olPronounced luh-VEE-tuh▶Missy#6300 in the U.S.A pet form — variously of Melissa ('a honeybee', Greek) and Millicent ('strong in work', Germanic) — and Pronounced MISS-ee▶Mertie#6352 in the U.S.Mertie is a vintage diminutive of Myrtle — from Greek myrtos, the myrtle shrub sacred to Venus and long aPronounced MUR-tee▶Marikay#6355 in the U.S.Marikay welds Mari, a form of Mary (from Hebrew Miriam), to Kay, a short name often standing for the lettPronounced MAIR-ee-kay▶Clovia#6692 in the U.S.Clovia reads as a coinage tied either to the clover plant, a symbol of luck, or to a feminine of Clovis, Pronounced KLOH-vee-uh▶Marjo#7137 in the U.S.Marjo works two ways: as a clipped form of Marjorie (a medieval English form of Margaret, from Greek margPronounced MAR-joh▶Myrtie#7198 in the U.S.Myrtie is an affectionate pet form of Myrtle, the fragrant evergreen shrub long tied to love and Venus, fPronounced MUR-tee▶Marylene#7202 in the U.S.Marylene is a compound of Mary with the ending -lene, closely tied to Marlene (itself a contraction of MaPronounced MAIR-uh-leen▶Baby#7272 in the U.S.From the English word baby, 'an infant; a young child' — most often a placeholder recorded before a childPronounced BAY-bee▶Merit#7446 in the U.S.From the English word merit, 'worthiness; excellence; deserving' (from Latin meritum, 'a reward; that whiPronounced MER-it▶Mande#7846 in the U.S.Mande is a spelling variant of Mandy, the familiar pet form of Amanda. Amanda comes from the Latin amandaPronounced MAN-dee▶Beauty#8006 in the U.S.From the English word beauty, 'beauty; loveliness; a beautiful person/thing' (from Old French biauté); a Pronounced BYOO-tee▶Darlette#8040 in the U.S.A modern name, joining Darla/darling ('dear; beloved', from Old English deorling) with the French diminutPronounced dar-LET▶Cricket#8148 in the U.S.The English word cricket: the small chirping insect, and separately the bat-and-ball sport. As a name it Pronounced KRIH-kit▶Maryln#8211 in the U.S.Maryln is a syncopated spelling of Marilyn, which joined Mary - from the Hebrew Miriam, variously read 'bPronounced MAIR-lin▶Marynell#8212 in the U.S.Marynell is a run-together double name joining Mary - the enduring biblical name variously read as 'belovPronounced MEHR-ee-nel▶Marilee#8229 in the U.S.An English compound of Mary ('beloved; of the sea; bitter', from Hebrew Miriam) and Lee ('a meadow; a clePronounced MAIR-uh-lee▶Maryalice#8231 in the U.S.An English compound of Mary ('beloved; of the sea; bitter', from Hebrew Miriam) and Alice ('noble; of nobPronounced MAIR-ee-AL-iss▶Amii#8259 in the U.S.Amii is a decorative double-i spelling of Amy, which comes from the Old French amee (from Latin amata), 'Pronounced AY-mee▶Pollyanna#8284 in the U.S.A compound of Polly (a pet form of Mary, 'beloved; of the sea') and Anna (Hebrew, 'grace; favour'); famouPronounced pol-ee-AN-ah▶Trezure#8361 in the U.S.A spelling of Treasure — from the English word treasure (via the Greek thesauros), 'a store of precious tPronounced TREZH-ur▶Dovey#8555 in the U.S.From the English word dove — a little dove (a symbol of peace and love), used as a term of endearment ('dPronounced DUV-ee▶Ellamarie#8563 in the U.S.A compound of Ella (variously 'all; a fairy maiden; light', Germanic/Greek) and Marie (a form of Mary, vaPronounced el-ah-mah-REE▶Girlie#8903 in the U.S.Girlie is the affectionate word girlie — a tender term for a little girl — recorded as a legal first namePronounced GUR-lee▶Cheril#8996 in the U.S.Cheril is a variant spelling of Cheryl, a twentieth-century English name that elaborates Cherie or CherryPronounced SHER-il▶Meribeth#9078 in the U.S.Meribeth is a blended name pairing Meri, from Mary or the word merry, with Beth, short for Elizabeth. ItsPronounced MERR-ee-beth▶Laineymae#9249 in the U.S.A compound name — Lainey (a short form of Elaine, 'a bright, shining light') joined with Mae (a form of MPronounced LAY-nee-may▶Lovelee#9280 in the U.S.A stylized spelling of Lovely — from the word, 'beautiful; delightful; full of love'; also read as Love +Pronounced LUV-lee▶Maye#9318 in the U.S.A spelling of May/Mae — variously the month of May (a time of blossom) and a short form of Mary/Margaret Pronounced MAY▶Maryiah#9320 in the U.S.Maryiah is a modern respelling of Mariah, a musical variant of Mary that also recalls the biblical Mount Pronounced muh-RY-uh▶Sherianne#9389 in the U.S.Sherianne is a mid-century blend of Sheri (itself from the French cherie, 'beloved') and Anne, a Hebrew nPronounced sher-ee-AN▶Sherrianne#9395 in the U.S.Sherrianne is a spelling variant of Sherianne with a doubled r, blending Sheri (French cherie, 'beloved')Pronounced sher-ee-AN▶Bambie#9410 in the U.S.Bambie is a cuter spelling of Bambi, a pet name from the Italian bambina meaning little girl or baby, madPronounced BAM-bee▶Buffie#9442 in the U.S.Buffie is a spelling of Buffy, a nursery pet form of Elizabeth (from Hebrew Elisheva, 'God is my oath' orPronounced BUFF-ee▶Sheri#9511 in the U.S.A spelling of Sherry, itself linked to the French cherie, 'dear; darling; beloved' (and to the wine name)Pronounced SHER-ee▶Darleny#9677 in the U.S.A modern Hispanic form of Darlene — from the English darling, 'dear; beloved', with a -y ending; routes lPronounced dar-LEH-nee▶Heartlynn#9786 in the U.S.A modern name, joining Heart (the English word, a symbol of love) with a -lynn ending ('a pool/lake', WelPronounced HART-lin▶Lovenia#9792 in the U.S.Lovenia is a folk variant of Lavinia, the name of a legendary queen in Roman myth and Virgil's Aeneid; thPronounced loh-VEE-nee-ah▶Cherysh#9836 in the U.S.Cherysh is a modern spelling of the word name Cherish, from the English verb to cherish, 'to hold dear' oPronounced CHER-ish▶Maurene#9885 in the U.S.Maurene is one of several respellings of Maureen, from Irish Mairin, a diminutive of Mary; it inherits MaPronounced maw-REEN▶Mayella#9975 in the U.S.A modern blend of May (the spring month / a form of Mary, 'beloved') with the diminutive -ella ('little')Pronounced may-EL-ah▶Chari#10434 in the U.S.Chari is usually a short form or respelling of Cherry or Charity; Charity comes from Latin caritas, 'ChriPronounced CHAIR-ee▶Darleen#10446 in the U.S.A spelling of Darlene, from the English 'darling' (from Old English deorling, 'dear one'), with the -lenePronounced dar-LEEN▶Panda#10489 in the U.S.Panda is the animal word used as a given name, chosen for the gentle, much-loved image of the panda bear.Pronounced PAN-duh▶Darlett#10498 in the U.S.Darlett is a modern name that echoes Darla and Darlene, both rooted in the English word darling, a belovePronounced dar-LET▶Amyjo#10590 in the U.S.Amyjo runs the two names Amy and Jo together into one. Amy comes from the Old French Amee, 'beloved', whiPronounced AY-mee-joh▶Kendy#10657 in the U.S.A short, affectionate form read as a spin on Kendall or Kennedy, or as a sweet play on 'candy.' No singlePronounced KEN-dee▶Mylove#10793 in the U.S.Mylove is a modern English word-name, joining 'my' and 'love' into a term of endearment worn as a name. IPronounced MY-luv▶Myrtha#10997 in the U.S.Myrtha is a variant of Myrtle, from the Greek myrtos - the fragrant evergreen shrub that classical traditPronounced MUR-thuh▶Aeowyn#11087 in the U.S.A modern respelling of Eowyn, the shield-maiden of Rohan in J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' — frPronounced AY-oh-win▶Davine#11308 in the U.S.Davine reads either as a spelling of Divine (the English word, 'heavenly; sacred') or as a feminine form Pronounced duh-VEEN▶Heartlee#11441 in the U.S.A modern word/virtue name built on 'heart' ('the seat of love and feeling') with a -lee ending, in the HaPronounced HART-lee▶Daveigh#11453 in the U.S.Daveigh is a modern feminine form of David, the Hebrew name meaning beloved, given a French-looking -eighPronounced duh-VAY▶Dreamy#11460 in the U.S.Dreamy is the plain English adjective — 'full of dreams; softly lovely; far-away' — given as a name. It sPronounced DREE-mee▶Laveta#11642 in the U.S.Laveta is an early-American name built on the fashionable La- prefix with a -veta ending. It may relate tPronounced luh-VEE-tuh▶Mollye#11681 in the U.S.Mollye is a decorative variant of Molly, the affectionate English pet form of Mary. Mary traces to the HePronounced MOL-ee▶Lizmarie#11683 in the U.S.A combo name pairing Liz (short for Elizabeth, 'God is my oath') with Marie (a French form of Mary, 'beloPronounced liz-mah-REE▶Loveah#11687 in the U.S.A modern word-name built on 'love' (Old English lufu, 'love; affection') with a soft -eah ending. EndearmPronounced LUV-ee-ah▶Marily#11732 in the U.S.A short variant read as a clip of Marilyn or an elaboration of Maria, part of the wide Marian family ('biPronounced MAH-ree-lee▶Maty#11737 in the U.S.A short, affectionate form read as a clip of Matilda ('mighty in battle') or Maria, or as a standalone moPronounced MAY-tee▶Mayme#11740 in the U.S.A vintage American pet form of Mary or Margaret, popular in the late 1800s. Carries the sense 'beloved; oPronounced MAYM▶Merna#11756 in the U.S.A variant spelling of Myrna, from the Irish Muirne, 'beloved; tender; high-spirited.' A soft vintage namePronounced MER-nah▶Lovee#11766 in the U.S.A modern American coinage from the ordinary English word love, from Old English lufu, dressed with a doubPronounced LUV-ee▶Milliemae#11770 in the U.S.A modern compound of Millie (from Millicent or Amelia) and Mae (a form of Mary/May), joining 'strong workPronounced MIL-ee-may▶Maleeya#11794 in the U.S.Maleeya is a phonetic respelling of Malia/Maliyah. Malia is the Hawaiian form of Mary ('beloved', or 'bitPronounced mah-LEE-uh▶Myna#11794 in the U.S.A nature name after the myna, a talking songbird of South Asia (from Hindi maina), or a variant of Mina (Pronounced MY-nah▶Almee#11833 in the U.S.Almee is best read as a variant spelling of Aimee, the French name meaning 'beloved,' from the verb aimerPronounced AY-mee▶Rozie#11918 in the U.S.A phonetic spelling of Rosie, the affectionate pet form of Rose, from Latin Rosa ('rose'). Sweet, retro, Pronounced ROH-zee▶Sayde#11942 in the U.S.A modern spelling of Sadie, the affectionate pet form of Sarah (Hebrew, 'princess; noblewoman'). Sweet anPronounced SAY-dee▶Adoree#12147 in the U.S.A name drawn from 'adore/adored' (French adorer, 'to love deeply; to worship'), read as 'beloved; adored Pronounced ad-uh-REE▶Annamary#12234 in the U.S.Annamary combines Anna ('grace', from Hebrew Hannah) with Mary ('beloved' or 'bitter', from Hebrew MiriamPronounced AN-uh-mair-ee▶Annasophia#12236 in the U.S.Annasophia combines Anna ('grace', from Hebrew Hannah) with Sophia ('wisdom', from Greek sophia). The paiPronounced an-uh-soh-FEE-uh▶Cherrish#12388 in the U.S.A spelling of Cherish, from the word cherish ('to hold dear; treasure'), via Old French cherir. A warm viPronounced CHAIR-ish▶Davaya#12439 in the U.S.Davaya reads as a modern coinage joining a Dav- start (as in Davia, from David, 'beloved') with the fashiPronounced duh-VY-uh▶Marilyne#12497 in the U.S.Marilyne is a spelling variant of Marilyn, itself a blend of Mary (from the Hebrew Miriam, of debated meaPronounced MAIR-uh-lin▶Myrta#12581 in the U.S.Myrta is a shortened, softened form of Myrtle, the classic Victorian flower name taken from the Greek worPronounced MUR-tuh▶Heart#12605 in the U.S.A word name from the English 'heart,' the organ long taken as the seat of love, feeling, and courage. A rPronounced HART▶Pollie#12687 in the U.S.Pollie is a spelling of Polly, itself a pet form of Mary that arose through the rhyming path Mary to MollPronounced POL-ee▶Kammy#12728 in the U.S.Kammy is a friendly pet form of Camilla ('young ceremonial attendant') or Cameron ('crooked nose'), spellPronounced KAM-ee▶Jennilyn#12764 in the U.S.Jennilyn joins Jenny, the pet form of Jennifer, to the popular -lyn ending drawn from Lynn, a Welsh name Pronounced JEN-uh-lin▶Klee#12791 in the U.S.Klee is a short name tied to the German surname Klee, meaning 'clover' — famously borne by the artist PauPronounced KLAY▶Mikeshia#12804 in the U.S.Mikeshia is a coined African American name joining the Mi- opening to Keshia, part of the widely loved KePronounced my-KEE-shuh▶Kristie#12805 in the U.S.A short, affectionate form of Kristin or Christine, from Greek Christos ('anointed'), carrying the sense Pronounced KRIS-tee▶Luvlee#12886 in the U.S.A phonetic, love-forward respelling of the English word Lovely, used as a coined virtue-style name. The 'Pronounced LUV-lee▶Mandi#12923 in the U.S.A short form of Amanda, from the Latin amanda, 'worthy of love; lovable' (a -i spelling of Mandy). Used hPronounced MAN-dee▶Marykay#12935 in the U.S.A run-together double name of Mary ('beloved' or 'of the sea,' by tradition) and Kay (a short form of KatPronounced MAIR-ee-kay▶Marylee#12936 in the U.S.A run-together double name of Mary ('beloved' or 'of the sea,' by tradition) and Lee (from the Old EnglisPronounced MAIR-ee-lee▶Luvina#12972 in the U.S.Luvina is a folk variant of Lavinia, the name of a legendary queen in Roman myth and Virgil's Aeneid, resPronounced loo-VEE-nah▶Marlisa#13016 in the U.S.Marlisa is a compound blending Mar- (from Mary or Marlene) with Lisa, itself a short form of Elizabeth; iPronounced mar-LEE-suh▶Marijean#13071 in the U.S.Marijean is a written-together compound of Mary and Jean; Mary comes from the Hebrew Miriam, variously rePronounced MAIR-ee-jeen▶Maralee#13078 in the U.S.Maralee is an American girl's name joining Mary, or its Mara form, with the popular ending Lee. Mary comePronounced MAR-ah-lee▶Rayen#13115 in the U.S.From Mapudungun rayen, 'flower' — a well-loved girls' name among the Mapuche of Chile and Argentina and wPronounced RAY-en▶Sherilyn#13227 in the U.S.Sherilyn blends Cheryl — itself likely from French cherie, 'darling; beloved,' or a form of Charlotte — wPronounced SHER-ih-lin▶Sherrie#13229 in the U.S.Sherrie is a spelling of Sherry, usually traced to the French cherie, 'darling; beloved' (and sometimes tPronounced SHEH-ree▶Taffy#13295 in the U.S.Taffy has two honest readings: it is a Welsh pet form of Dafydd, the Welsh David — from Hebrew for 'belovPronounced TAF-ee▶Willamae#13344 in the U.S.A run-together double name: Willa — a feminine form of William, from Germanic elements meaning 'will; desPronounced WIL-uh-may▶Zennia#13407 in the U.S.A variant spelling of Zinnia, the flower named in honor of the German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn; thePronounced ZEN-ee-uh▶Amee#13542 in the U.S.Amee is a spelling of Amy, from Old French amee ('beloved'), the past participle of amer, 'to love' — ultPronounced AY-mee▶Amouraa#13574 in the U.S.A modern coinage built directly on the French word amour, 'love,' with a decorative doubled-a ending. It Pronounced ah-MOOR-ah▶Annayeli#13585 in the U.S.A modern Latino compound joining Anna ('grace') with the -yeli sound of Nayeli, a name often linked to ZaPronounced an-uh-YEH-lee▶Astara#13628 in the U.S.A modern name read as a star-word coinage (Latin astra, 'stars') and as an echo of Astarte, the ancient NPronounced uh-STAR-uh▶Bonny#13705 in the U.S.From the Scots and northern English bonny, 'pretty; fair; cheerful,' itself likely from the French bon, 'Pronounced BON-ee▶Ammie#13709 in the U.S.Ammie is an old spelling of Amy, from the Old French amée and Latin amata, 'beloved'; it can also serve aPronounced AM-ee▶Brina#13726 in the U.S.Brina serves as a short form of Sabrina (the legendary river name of the Severn) and stands alone as a SlPronounced BREE-nuh▶Bunnie#13738 in the U.S.A spelling of the English endearment 'bunny' (a rabbit), long used as a term of affection and as a pet naPronounced BUN-ee▶Clove#13803 in the U.S.The English word for the aromatic spice, from the French clou and Latin clavus, 'nail' — named for the drPronounced KLOHV▶Darline#13847 in the U.S.Darline is a variant spelling of Darlene, coined in early twentieth-century America from the English wordPronounced dar-LEEN▶Dearie#13858 in the U.S.Dearie is the English endearment 'dearie' — an affectionate form of 'dear' — used directly as a given namPronounced DEER-ee▶Birdi#13866 in the U.S.A respelling of Birdie, an affectionate nickname-name meaning 'little bird' - once a pet form for Bertha Pronounced BUR-dee▶Daviona#13903 in the U.S.Daviona reads as a modern coinage, a feminine elaboration of Davion or Davia (from David, Hebrew 'belovedPronounced dah-vee-OH-nuh▶Emmaree#13933 in the U.S.A modern compound joining Emma, from the Germanic element ermen ('whole, universal'), with Marie, the FrePronounced EM-uh-ree▶Evelette#13964 in the U.S.A modern diminutive built from Eve or Evelyn with the French suffix -ette, which forms small or affectionPronounced ev-uh-LET▶Davetta#13969 in the U.S.Davetta feminizes David with the diminutive ending -etta, so 'little David' or a daughter's echo of the nPronounced duh-VET-uh▶Ezmie#13971 in the U.S.A modern spelling of Esme, from Old French esme, 'esteemed; beloved' (past participle of esmer, 'to esteePronounced EZ-mee▶Amye#13976 in the U.S.Amye is an antique spelling of Amy, which comes through the Old French 'amee', past participle of 'amer',Pronounced AY-mee▶Chariti#13997 in the U.S.Chariti is a modern respelling of Charity, one of the English virtue names, meaning selfless Christian loPronounced CHAIR-ih-tee▶Freyah#14001 in the U.S.A respelling of Freya, from Old Norse Freyja — 'lady, noblewoman'. In Norse myth Freyja is the goddess ofPronounced FRAY-uh▶Ima#14101 in the U.S.Ima is the ordinary Hebrew word for 'mother' (imma), used affectionately in Israel. Separately it was a rPronounced EE-muh▶Jadora#14131 in the U.S.Jadora is a contemporary coinage. Most readings hear either the French j'adore, 'I adore', or the -dora fPronounced juh-DOR-uh▶Charish#14169 in the U.S.A modern coinage echoing the word 'cherish' ('to hold dear') and the Greek Charis ('grace; kindness'). AsPronounced CHAR-ish▶Carianne#14181 in the U.S.Carianne joins Cari, a pet form of Caroline or the Latin cara, 'beloved', with Anne, the enduring form ofPronounced kair-ee-AN▶Jossy#14228 in the U.S.Jossy is an affectionate pet form of Jocelyn (from the Germanic Gautzelin, via Norman French) and, for soPronounced JOS-ee▶Dreami#14266 in the U.S.A modern respelling of the English word dreamy — 'dreamlike; lovely; lost in dreams' — dressed as a name Pronounced DREE-mee▶Kamie#14274 in the U.S.A short, affectionate spelling used as a pet form of Kamila, Camille, Kamryn and similar Kam- names. WhicPronounced KAY-mee▶Kamour#14278 in the U.S.A modern coinage that most naturally reads as the Ka- prefix joined to the French amour, 'love.' The combPronounced kuh-MOOR▶Kayali#14301 in the U.S.Most often a modern Kay- coinage. It also matches the Arabic khayali, 'imaginary; of the imagination; drePronounced kah-YAH-lee▶Lamaria#14416 in the U.S.The decorative La- prefix attached to Maria, the Latin and Spanish form of Mary (from Hebrew Miryam, whosPronounced luh-muh-REE-uh▶Goldi#14425 in the U.S.A spelling of Goldie, from the Yiddish/English 'gold' - an affectionate name for something precious and gPronounced GOHL-dee▶Lovette#14448 in the U.S.Lovette is a feminine-styled form of the surname Lovett, from the Old French louvet, a little wolf or wolPronounced loh-VET▶Lennen#14450 in the U.S.A modern respelling of Lennon, an Irish surname from O Leannain, usually explained as 'descendant of the Pronounced LEN-un▶Madora#14478 in the U.S.Madora is a variant of Medora, a name made famous by Lord Byron's 1814 poem The Corsair, where Medora is Pronounced muh-DOR-uh▶Lovemika#14491 in the U.S.A contemporary invented name built from the English word Love plus a Mika-style ending (Mika itself has sPronounced luv-MEE-kuh▶Lovett#14492 in the U.S.From the English surname Lovett, brought over after the Norman conquest from Old French louvet, 'little wPronounced luh-VET▶Luv#14501 in the U.S.As a girls' name in the U.S., Luv is a respelling of the plain English word Love — a word-name, not an inPronounced LUV▶Lynni#14508 in the U.S.A diminutive spelling of Lynnie, from Lynn — the Welsh llyn, 'lake; pool'. The -i ending is a modern, affPronounced LIN-ee▶Naely#14619 in the U.S.A modern coinage used chiefly in Spanish-speaking communities, trimmed from or echoing Nayeli. Nayeli is Pronounced NAY-lee▶Aimie#14636 in the U.S.Aimie is a variant of Amy, whose source is the Old French 'aimee' (from Latin 'amata'), meaning 'beloved'Pronounced AY-mee▶Mandie#14664 in the U.S.Mandie is a pet form of Amanda, from the Latin amanda, 'worthy of love; lovable' (a gerundive of amare, 'Pronounced MAN-dee▶Meg#14712 in the U.S.Meg is a classic short form of Margaret, from the Greek margarites, 'pearl'. Warm and enduring, it is besPronounced MEG▶Rhonnie#14866 in the U.S.A nickname-style name read as a short form of Rhonda — a twentieth-century name of Welsh flavour, tied toPronounced RON-ee▶Penda#14874 in the U.S.From the Swahili penda ('love; to love'), a warm virtue name; separately it recalls Penda, a 7th-century Pronounced PEN-dah▶Roo#14880 in the U.S.A short, affectionate name used on its own or as a nickname for Ruth, Rue, Rosalind, or Rooney. It is alsPronounced ROO▶Cherity#15016 in the U.S.Cherity is a respelling of Charity, the virtue name from the Latin caritas, 'love, esteem,' one of the thPronounced CHAIR-ih-tee▶Merriam#15039 in the U.S.Merriam is a form of Miriam, an ancient Hebrew name (of debated meaning, often given as 'beloved' or 'wisPronounced MER-ee-um▶Acey#15260 in the U.S.A nickname-name built from the English word ace — the single-pip playing card, and by extension 'the bestPronounced AY-see▶Willetta#15555 in the U.S.Willetta is a feminine elaboration of William — Germanic Willahelm, 'will' plus 'helmet/protection', so 'Pronounced wil-ET-uh▶Ayme#15579 in the U.S.Ayme is a phonetic spelling of Amy/Aimee, from Old French 'aimee' (Latin 'amata'), 'beloved'; the Ay- opePronounced AY-mee▶Aymee#15580 in the U.S.A spelling of Aimee (Amy), from the French aimee, 'beloved' (from Latin amatus, 'loved'). A sweet, classiPronounced AY-mee▶Beautii#15663 in the U.S.A stylized respelling of the word Beauty ('loveliness; a beautiful person'), from Old French beaute. A boPronounced BYOO-tee▶Cinderella#15731 in the U.S.Cinderella entered use straight from the fairy tale, whose heroine's name is an English rendering of FrenPronounced sin-duh-REL-uh▶Darlah#15744 in the U.S.A variant spelling of Darla, from the English endearment 'darling' (Old English deorling, 'dear one'). WaPronounced DAR-lah▶Damora#15781 in the U.S.A modern coinage that reads as a Da- opening joined to Amora, from the Romance root amor, 'love.' No oldePronounced dah-MOR-ah▶Darlyne#15811 in the U.S.Darlyne is a respelling of Darlene, a name built straight from the English endearment 'darling' plus the Pronounced dar-LEEN▶Delphia#15831 in the U.S.Delphia is usually read against Delphi, the sanctuary of the oracle in ancient Greece, whose name is linkPronounced DEL-fee-uh▶Demarie#15832 in the U.S.Demarie reads as a modern coinage joining the fashionable De- prefix with Marie (French form of Mary, tiePronounced dem-uh-REE▶Dhream#15852 in the U.S.A modern spelling of the English word dream, 'a cherished hope; a vision in sleep' — used as an aspiratioPronounced DREEM▶Davonna#15881 in the U.S.Davonna reads as an elaboration in the Da-/La- prefix style, most naturally tied to Davina, a feminine foPronounced duh-VON-uh▶Chade#15887 in the U.S.Chade is a girl's name that reworks Chad, adding a silent e. Chad comes from the Old English Ceadda, bornPronounced CHAYD▶Emiley#15888 in the U.S.A respelling of Emily, from the Roman Aemilius, 'rival; emulating' (sometimes read as 'industrious'). A bPronounced EM-uh-lee▶Ezmarie#15943 in the U.S.A modern compound joining Esme - from Old French esme, 'esteemed, beloved' - with Marie, the French form Pronounced EZ-muh-ree▶Caralee#15992 in the U.S.A modern smoosh of Cara ('beloved; dear') and Lee ('meadow; clearing'), written as one name — akin to CarPronounced KAR-uh-lee▶Evolett#15997 in the U.S.Evolett is a modern American coined name, a spelling of Evolet, the heroine of the 2008 film 10,000 BC. TPronounced EV-uh-let▶Esmarae#16043 in the U.S.A compound of Esme (French, 'esteemed; beloved') and Rae (a short form of Rachel, 'ewe,' also read as a fPronounced EZ-muh-ray▶Isabellamarie#16050 in the U.S.A joined double-name: Isabella (a form of Elizabeth, 'pledged to God; my God is an oath') plus Marie (a FPronounced iz-uh-BEL-uh-muh-ree▶Daveyah#16121 in the U.S.Daveyah reads as a modern coinage built on a Davia or David root (Hebrew 'beloved'), styled with a flowinPronounced duh-VAY-uh▶Jakara#16150 in the U.S.Jakara is a coined American girl's name pairing the fashionable Ja- prefix with Kara — a name from Latin Pronounced juh-KAR-uh▶Jasmarie#16251 in the U.S.A joined name: Jasmine (the fragrant flower, from Persian yasamin) plus Marie (a French form of Mary, 'bePronounced jaz-muh-REE▶Cherrell#16274 in the U.S.Cherrell is a later-twentieth-century coinage, most plausibly a blend of Cheryl or Cher — themselves fromPronounced shuh-REL▶Ezmi#16321 in the U.S.A modern short spelling echoing Esme, from Old French esme ('esteemed, beloved'). The Ezmi spelling is coPronounced EZ-mee▶Karalee#16330 in the U.S.Karalee joins Kara — from Latin/Italian cara, 'beloved' or 'dear', also a short form of Katherine — with Pronounced KAR-uh-lee▶Karinna#16384 in the U.S.Karinna is a doubled-consonant spelling of Karina, itself a form of Katherine ('pure') and often linked tPronounced kuh-REE-nuh▶Karisa#16385 in the U.S.Karisa is a single-s, K- spelling of Carissa, a name usually traced to Greek charis, 'grace', or Latin caPronounced kuh-RIS-uh▶Jynx#16409 in the U.S.A respelling of the English word jinx, which means a person or thing that brings bad luck. The word is gePronounced JINGKS▶Khlover#16471 in the U.S.Khlover is a modern respelling of Clover — the English word for the small three-leafed meadow plant, longPronounced KLOH-vur▶Amandalee#16635 in the U.S.Amandalee joins Amanda, from the Latin amanda, 'worthy of love, lovable' (a gerundive of amare, 'to love'Pronounced uh-MAN-duh-lee▶Lovey#16657 in the U.S.Lovey is the English endearment 'lovey' — a pet form of 'love', long used to mean sweetheart or darling —Pronounced LUV-ee▶Mada#16695 in the U.S.Mada is best read as a short form of Madeline or Magdalena, from Mary Magdalene, 'of Magdala' (a town on Pronounced MAY-duh▶Maleea#16700 in the U.S.Maleea is a phonetic spelling of Malia, the Hawaiian form of Mary; through Mary it reaches back to the HePronounced muh-LEE-uh▶Marijane#16759 in the U.S.Marijane is the compound Mary Jane written as one name, joining Mary (Hebrew Miriam, 'beloved' or 'bitterPronounced MAIR-ee-jayn▶Maryfrances#16772 in the U.S.A written-as-one compound of Mary (Hebrew Miriam, 'beloved; star of the sea') and Frances (Latin FranciscPronounced mair-ee-FRAN-sis▶Merrilee#16792 in the U.S.Merrilee is a form of Marilee or Merrily, blending Mary — from Hebrew, variously 'beloved' or 'bitter' — Pronounced MERR-ih-lee▶Marabeth#16812 in the U.S.Marabeth is a compound name joining Mary, or the related Mara, with Beth, a short form of Elizabeth. MaryPronounced MARE-uh-beth▶Miriah#16954 in the U.S.Miriah is a respelling of Mariah, an older English pronunciation of Maria that circles back to the HebrewPronounced muh-RYE-uh▶Omie#16982 in the U.S.Omie is a homey diminutive most often traced to Naomi, the Hebrew name meaning 'pleasantness', though it Pronounced OH-mee▶Naeli#16997 in the U.S.Naeli reads as a trimmed spelling of Nayeli, a name widely used in Mexican-American families and often glPronounced nah-EH-lee▶Georgeann#16999 in the U.S.Georgeann is a compound of George and Ann. George comes from the Greek georgos, 'farmer, earth-worker,' aPronounced JOR-jann▶Luvenia#17051 in the U.S.Luvenia is a Southern American girl's name of uncertain origin; the most plausible reading links it to LaPronounced loo-VEE-nee-uh▶Marye#17133 in the U.S.Marye is an old ornamental spelling of Mary (or a form of Marie), from Hebrew Miryam; the meaning is anciPronounced MAIR-ee▶Su#17307 in the U.S.Three honest routes. In Turkish, su is the everyday word for 'water', and it is a well-loved modern givenPronounced SOO▶Primm#17403 in the U.S.A short name echoing the English 'prim' ('neat; proper') and Primrose ('Prim'), the beloved younger sistePronounced PRIM▶Maresa#17497 in the U.S.Maresa is a variant of Marisa, an Italian and Spanish elaboration of Maria, sometimes blended with Luisa.Pronounced muh-REE-suh▶Davyne#17537 in the U.S.Davyne reads as a modern respelling of Davina or Davine, the Scottish feminine of David (Hebrew, 'belovedPronounced duh-VEEN▶Manda#17882 in the U.S.A short form of Amanda, from the Latin amanda, 'worthy of love; lovable,' a gerundive of amare, 'to love.Pronounced MAN-dah▶Marysue#17925 in the U.S.Marysue joins Mary and Sue into one written name, in the Southern tradition of solid double names. Mary cPronounced MAIR-ee-SOO▶Marijo#18181 in the U.S.Marijo is a compound of Mary and Jo, written as one word — a common mid-century way to give a familiar MaPronounced MAIR-ee-joh▶Kimmarie#18293 in the U.S.Kimmarie combines Kim, the short form of Kimberly, with Marie, the French form of Mary from the Hebrew MiPronounced kim-muh-REE▶Marilynne#18294 in the U.S.Marilynne is the fuller -nne spelling of Marilyn, itself a twentieth-century blend of Mary with the -lyn Pronounced MAIR-uh-lin▶Merilee#18345 in the U.S.Merilee is a variant of Marilee, usually read as a compound of Mary and Lee, and also playing on the cheePronounced MERR-ih-lee▶Samanda#18384 in the U.S.Samanda reads as a blend of Sam and Amanda, or as Samantha nudged toward Amanda. Amanda is a Latin name mPronounced suh-MAN-duh▶Taccara#18860 in the U.S.Taccara is a rare coinage whose ending echoes 'cara' ('dear, beloved' in Latin/Italian), doubled for a diPronounced tuh-KAR-uh▶Marylynne#19038 in the U.S.Marylynne is a compound name joining Mary, from the Hebrew Miriam (traditionally 'beloved,' 'bitter,' or Pronounced MAIR-ee-lin▶Shaynna#19771 in the U.S.Shaynna reads as an embellished spelling of Shayna, a Yiddish name meaning 'beautiful' or 'lovely', and iPronounced SHAY-nuh▶Sherise#20114 in the U.S.Sherise is a spelling of Cherise, from French chérie, 'dear one, beloved', with a play on the cherry; thePronounced shuh-REES▶HunniA modern respelling of honey, from Old English hunig, the word for the sweet substance and a term of affePronounced HUN-ee▶KhleverA modern respelling of Clover — the three-leaf meadow flower, long a symbol of luck (the lucky four-leaf Pronounced KLOH-vur▶MayelliA modern coinage used chiefly in Spanish-speaking communities, sitting close to Nayeli and Mayeli. NayeliPronounced my-EL-ee▶
More English Meaning Guides
Boy Names That Mean EarthBoy Names That Mean GodGirl Names That Mean RoyaltyGirl Names That Mean FlowerGirl Names That Mean GraceGirl Names That Mean BeautyGirl Names That Mean LightBoy Names That Mean WarriorBoy Names That Mean StrengthGirl Names That Mean PurityBoy Names That Mean BraveryGirl Names That Mean Strength
Frequently Asked
What does the name Love actually mean?
Love is a plain English word name — it means exactly what it says, with no translation needed. It's the most direct example on this list, worn instead of the more usual detour through nicknames or foreign roots.
Is Alannah originally an English name?
Not originally — Alannah comes from the Irish endearment a leanbh, meaning 'O child, darling.' It's become popular in English-speaking countries as a name in its own right, keeping its warm original meaning intact.