30 Endearing Boy Names That Mean Love

Are you looking for names for boys with the most rewarding meanings? There are many boy names that mean love which is the ultimate meaning if you ask us. These appellations can be found in every naming tradition from around the world. Humans have, for centuries, sought names for their sons that express the monumental emotion of love that parents have for their children. If you’re not sure where to start on your baby name journey, a great place is to look at names that have a desirable meaning. Love happens to be one of the very best.

We’ve curated a list of the best boy names that mean love that range from familiar to exotic. We want to present you with a good mix of popular as well as more obscure choices. That way you have a variety of options to find the most compelling name that will work for your child and be a good fit for your growing family. Take a look at our inspired finds below to create your own shortlist of boy names that mean love. Now, go find your son’s name!

Check Out Our Favorite Boy Names That Mean Love Below:

Aiko

Aiko is a name of Japanese origin that is given to both boys and girls. The appellation is on the rise today in the US but it has yet to be roundly favored by new parents. The name means “beloved child.”

Amado

Amado is a classic Spanish name for boys that has not been popular in the US for about 100 years. It’s time to bring this treasured appellation back to its former glory. The name means “loved.” Some famous Amados include:

• Amado Guevara: Honduran footballer
• Amado Crowley: English occult teacher
• Amado Boudou: Vice president of Argentina

Amias

Amias is one of the boy names that mean love that sounds biblical but is not from Hebrew. The name originated in Latin, meaning “loved.” Amias is a popular option for boys today with the name appearing in the US top-1000 for the first time in 2019. Its popularity has only grown since then. Some famous folks with this appellation include:

• Amias Bampfylde: English parliamentarian
• Amias Paulet: English diplomat and governor of Jersey
• John Amias: 16th century English martyred priest

Aziz

Aziz is one of the traditional Arabic boy names that mean love. It’s also one of the 99 names of Allah. Aziz means “beloved” and “powerful.” Who could be mad at those meanings? Aziz has never been a top-1000 name in the US but we expect that to change in the coming years. Some famous bearers of the name include:

• Aziz Ansari: American comedian, actor, and writer
• Aziz Sergeyevich Shavershian: Russian YouTuber and bodybuilder
• Aziz Nesin (born Mehmet Nusret): Turkish writer and humorist
• Aziz Sancar: Turkish-American biochemist and Nobel Prize winner
• Aziz Eraltay Behich: Australian footballer

Caradoc

Caradoc is an ancient Welsh name for boys that was borne by one of the Knights of the Round Table. This storied appellation means “beloved” and “amicable.” Despite its Celtic cred, this name has never been a popular choice in the US. It’s one of our favorite boy names that mean love! Some famous Caradocs:

• Caradoc of Llancarfan: Welsh cleric and author
• (David) Caradoc Evans: Welsh novelist
• (Griffith) Caradoc Rees: Welsh lawyer and politician
• Nicholas Caradoc Hoult: English actor

Caron

A cousin to the previous name, Caron contains the same Welsh root for “love,” caru. In Wales today, you will find this name used for both baby boys and girls. If you’re looking for unisex boy names that mean love, Caron could be the right move for you.

Carwyn

We’re sticking with Welsh names for a bit longer. One of the most underutilized boy names that mean love is Carwyn. This Welsh charmer means “blessed love.” The appellation is a popular option in Wales today but it’s virtually unused in the US. Some famous examples include:

• Carwyn Meurig Ellis: Welsh singer of group Colorama
• Carwyn Howell Jones: 1st Minister of Wales
• Carwyn Rees James: Welsh rugby union player
• Carwyn Davies: Welsh rugby union player
• Carwyn Williams: Welsh surfer

Ceri

Here’s another one of the Welsh boy names that mean love. It’s pronounced exactly the same as Kerry. It’s considered a unisex option but is often used as a nickname for the feminine name Ceridwen. This appellation means “to love.”

Chaviv

One of the lovely Hebrew boy names that means love, Chaviv has an intriguing sound and is one of the lesser-known Hebrew names for boys. The root of this name translates to “loved one.” This would make for a very unique and distinctive choice for a boy born today.

Connelly

Connelly is an Irish appellation that means “love” or “friendship.” The unisex option is the best alternative to the overused Connor or Colin for a boy. This name is more often found as a surname in the US but we hope new parents see its potential as a handsome given name.

Conor

Conor is another one of the Irish boy names that mean love. It’s a perennial favorite in the US and would be a safe choice for your son. This appellation means “lover of hounds,” which is a touch offbeat. There are tons of famous examples with this name but here are a few:

• Conor Mullen Oberst: American singer-songwriter of Bright Eyes
• Conor Anthony McGregor: Irish mixed martial artist
• Conor Cruise O’Brien: Irish Senator, historian, and author
• Conor Patrick Casey: American soccer player
• Conor O’Brian (born Ryan Parmeter): American pro wrestler
• Conor James Dwyer: American Olympic swimmer
• Conor Daly: American racing driver
• Conor Michael Gillaspie: American baseball player
• Conor Sims Jackson: American baseball player

Cordian

Cordian is one of the unsung boy names that mean love from Latin. This name actually means “of the heart.” Cordian has never been a popular choice in the US but parents looking for names with plenty of heart should consider this stunning appellation.

Darrell

Darrell was once one of the most popular boy names that mean love in the US. It enjoyed popularity until the late 1990s when the name took a nosedive on the popularity charts. It’s a mildly popular choice today that is likely seen as a “dad name.” This appellation is of French origin and means “dear one” or “beloved.” There are tons of famous examples but here are a few:

• Darrell Edward Issa: U.S. Congressman from California
• Darrell Lee Waltrip: American NASCAR driver
• Darrell Wallace Jr.: American NASCAR driver
• Darrell Ray Green: American NFL player
• Darrell Anthony Russell: American NFL player
• Darrell Eugene Armstrong: American basketball player
• Darrell Steven Griffith: American basketball player
• Darrell Trayler Hogan: American NFL player
• Darrell Kevin May: American baseball player
• Darrell Dean Johnson: American baseball manager
• Darrell Lamont Jackson: American NFL player

David

David is derived from the Hebrew name Dawid, which evolved from the element dod, meaning “beloved.” It’s one of the very popular boy names that mean love. This name is an evergreen favorite, never dropping out of the top-50 most popular names for boys in the US. There are numerous famous examples:

• David Lloyd George: 1st Earl Lloyd, George of Dwyfor, British Prime Minister
• David Hume: Scottish Philosopher
• David Frederick Attenborough: English naturalist and broadcaster
• David Randolph Scott: American astronaut
• David Howell Petraeus: American former CIA director
• David William Donald Cameron: Former British Prime Minister
• David Bowie (born David Robert Jones): English musician
• David Robert Joseph Beckham: English footballer

Desi

A name made recognizable by Desi Arnaz, Desi is a name of Spanish origin, a shortened form of Desiderio. The name means “desired one.” The name was mildly popular in the middle of the previous century but hasn’t been a contender since the 1970s. You can change that by choosing one of the most unique boy names that mean love on this list!

RELATED: Powerful Boy Names With Winning Meanings

Erasmus

Erasmus is a name of Greek origin that has a storied past. The fourth-century Saint Erasmus was also known as Elmo, he is the patron saint of sailors. The name is also closely associated with Renaissance humanist and theologian Desiderius Erasmus, who was born Geert Geerts. It is one of the longer boy names that mean love available to you. The name was a mildly popular choice before the 1900s in the US. Famous examples include:

• Erasmus Darwin: English physician; grandfather of Charles Darwin
• Erasmus James: American NFL football player
• Erasmus Gower: British naval officer and colonial governor
• Erasmus Ommanney: British naval officer and Arctic explorer
• Erasmus Arlington “Arlie” Pond: American baseball player and army physician
• Desiderius Erasmus: Dutch Renaissance scholar and author of Praise of Folly

Habib

Habib is a name of Arabic origin, meaning “loved one.” The name is particularly well-used in Northern Africa, Tunisia, and Syria. It’s one of our favorite boy names that mean love.

Jebediah

Jebediah is sometimes spelled Jedidiah but both are Hebrew boy names that mean love. The appellation translates to “beloved friend.” This name has never been widely beloved in the US but there are plenty of famous examples to share with you:

• Jebediah Obadiah Zachariah Jedediah Springfield: Fictional founder of Springfield hometown of TV’s The Simpsons
• Jebediah “Jeb” Strydercharacter in Stephenie Meyer’s novel The Host
• Jebediah “Jeb” Guthriemutant: A character in X-Men and Rom comics
• Jebediah “Jeb” Holt: Character in Splintered
• Jebediah: Australian alternative rock band formed in 1994

Kama

Kama is a Sanskrit, unisex name that means “love” and “desire.” Kama is the winged Hindu god of love, the son of Lakshmi. Kama is short for Kamadeva and both are boy names that mean love that have a warm sound.

Kealoha

Pronounced kay-ah-LO-ha, Kealoha is a name of Hawaiian origin that means “loved one.” A notable bearer is the first Poet Laureate of Hawaii, Steven Kealohapauʻole Hong-Ming Wong, who is known as Kealoha. James Kealoha was a Hawaii politician who was the first Lieutenant-Governor of Hawaii. And, Kealoha Pilares is an American football player.

Lennan

Lennan is another one of the Irish boy names that mean love. The name translates to “sweetheart” or “lover.” This name is different from Lennon but be prepared to correct others as they will be more familiar with Lennon than Lennan.

Lev

Lev is one of the boy names that mean love that’s found in both Hebrew and Russian. The Hebrew root in the name means “heart” while the Russian one means “lion.” However you look at the name, it’s a solid choice. It’s never been in the US top-1000 but that should likely change in the coming years as parents are turning more and more to this name. Famous examples include:

• Lev Nikolayevich “Leo” Tolstoy: Russian novelist
• Lev Davidovich Bronshtein: Birth name of Soviet leader Leon Trotsky
• Lev Lvovich Sedov: Son of Leon Trotsky
• Lev Davidovich Landau: Azerbaijani Soviet physicist and Nobel prize winner
• Lev Semyonovich Vygotsky: Belorussian psychologist
• Lev Grossman: American novelist and journalist
• Lev Ivanovich Yashin: Russian football goalkeeper
• Lev Matveyevich Vainshtein: Russian Olympic shooter
• Lev L. Spiro: American film and TV director
• Lev Avnerovich Leviev: Uzbek-Israeli businessman and philanthropist

Liev

Liev is the Yiddish form of Lev, making it one of the boy names that mean love that should be attractive to Jewish parents. Liev translates to “heart.” One famous example sports this name, actor Liev Schreiber.

Milos

A diminutive form of Miloslav, Milos is a Slavic name that means “lover of glory.” Most commonly, you will find this name pronounced MEE-losh. The name has never been popular in the US but there are some famous examples from around the world with this charming name.

• Milos Forman: Czech film director
• Milos Raonic: Montenegrin-Canadian tennis player
• Milos Obrenovic I: Prince of Serbia
• Milos Zeman: President of the Czech Republic
• Milos Krasic: Serbian footballer

Obi

Obi might give you Star Wars vibes but it is one of the boy names that mean love from the Ibo-Nigerian naming tradition. The appellation means “heart.” The name has never been a popular one in the US except for pop culture. Some famous examples include:

• Obi-Wan Kenobi: Star Wars character
• Obi: Japanese for a sash worn around the waist, normally with a kimono
• Obi: Anime character in Snow White with the Red Hair

Pip

Sure, you could go with the classic name, Philip, but we love the short form Pip for boys. It’s one of the most popular boy names that mean love, from Greek, meaning “lover of horses.” Pip has zippy energy to it that we think parents will enjoy. The name has never been popular as a standalone option but many folks have been known by it:

• Pip: Stage name of Phillip Andrew Arnold, American pop singer
• Philip “Pip” Baker: English TV writer
• Pip Carter: English actor
• Philip Ambrose “Pip” Elson: English golfer
• Philip “Pip” Proud: Australian singer
• Phillip “Pip” Pyle: English rock drummer
• Thomas “Pip” Rippon: English footballer
• Philip Malcolm “Pip” Williams: English music producer

Rasmus

Rasmus is the Scandinavian form of Erasmus, meaning “beloved.” Despite the name being rare in the US, it’s one of the most popular options across Northern Europe. Some famous folks with this name include:

• Rasmus Faber: Swedish music artist
• Rasmus Fleischer: Swedish historian, musician, freelance journalist
• Rasmus Hansen: Danish football player
• Rasmus Hansen: Danish gymnast
• Rasmus Hansen: Norwegian jurist and politician
• Rasmus Hardiker: English actor
• Rasmus Grønborg Hansen: Danish football player
• Rasmus Quist Hansen: Danish rower
• Rasmus Harboe: Danish sculptor

Rudo

Rudo is a Shona (a language spoken across Southern Africa) name that means “love.” Rudo has a great sound to it that rolls right off the tongue. Unfortunately, this name is not used outside Shona speakers but we would love to hear this endearing option more often in the states.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 50 Charming Girl Names That Mean Love

Sajan

One of the most accessible Hindi boy names that mean love, Sajan could be the perfect option for your baby boy. The appellation means “beloved.” It’s not popular in the US but you will see it often in India today. A couple of famous examples include:

• Sajan: Indian film director
• Sajan Prakash: Indian swimmer

Theophilus

One of the best boy names that mean love that parents are overlooking is Theophilus. Yes, it is a mouthful but we think there is tons of potential for this name including the desirable nickname, Theo. This appellation means “lover of God” or “friend of God.” There are many remarkable folks with the name:

• Theophilus: Patriarch of Antioch
• Theophilus: 23rd Pope of Alexandria
• Theophilus Siegfried Bayer: German classical scholar
• Theophilus Brabourne: English theologian
• Theophilus Carter: English furniture dealer upon whom Lewis Carroll supposedly based the Mad Hatter
• Theophilus Cibber: English actor and playwright
• Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma: Nigerian soldier, politician, and businessman
• Theophilus Howard: English statesman
• Theophilus Lewis: American drama critic and writer
• Theophilus Musa: London-American rapper
• Wolfgang Theophilus Mozart: Birth name of Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

What did you think of these boy names that mean love? We hope you found some worthy options for your son! Choosing a name for your baby is a challenge but it’s not impossible. By looking to names with a desired meaning, you have found a way to limit the number of possibilities and can narrow down your shortlist of baby names! Happy baby name hunting!