30 Cherished Baby Names That Mean Blessing for Girls and Boys

Are you looking for baby names to fit that precious miracle on the way? You can choose from many names with evocative and uplifting meanings. But, if you’re here reading this, we imagine you are specifically looking for baby names that mean blessing. These names sound gorgeous but also carry with them that blessed meaning that you will always cherish. Many of the names are classic favorites, while others may be new to you!

Our goal for this list is to deliver some truly magnificent baby names that are a mix of old and new to present you with a wide variety of options for you to choose from. We’ll start with girl names that mean blessing before moving on to names for boys. We are so excited for you and your little one on the way, and we truly hope we can play a small part in helping you find the perfect appellation for your child. Let’s get going!

Baby Names That Mean Blessing for Girls

Megumi

Japanese names can have a variety of meanings depending on the kanji characters used to construct them. The name Megumi is one such name that can mean “blessing.” This beautiful name is not popular in the US, but it could definitely get there if enough parents choose it!

Mireille

A delightfully retro name that deserves to be dusted off is Mireille. The name has French origins and means “miraculous.” This name can also be defined to mean “to admire.” But it’s your call!

Carwen

Yet Another Welsh name to fall in love with, Carwen, means “blessed love.” In Wales, Carwyn is a name for boys, and Carwen is considered feminine. You can choose to go either way.

Sinead

One of the most beautiful Irish girl names that mean blessing, Sinead is a top-100 choice in Ireland today, but you will be hard-pressed to discover it on a playground in the US. Sinead means “God’s gracious gift.”

Anjali

If you want an alternative to Angela, consider the Sanskrit name Anjali for your baby girl. The name means “gift” and “offering.” The name is a mildly popular choice here, but it could be more widespread!

Dora

Dora is the Greek word for many baby names that mean blessing. Theodora, Dorthy, Dorathea, etc all contain it. Dora means “gift,” and if you love short and to-the-point names, it’s going to be one of the best on this list for you.

Gwyneth

The second Welsh name to hit our list, Gwyneth, is a vintage charmer that Gwyneth Paltrow yanked from obscurity and made a household name. The appellation’s roots mean “blessed” and “happy.”

Eudora

Eudora is a soft name that was once popular but should definitely make a return to many birth certificates. The name is of Greek origin and means “generous gift.”

Janet

Janet is a name that makes a statement today. The name has fallen sharply in favor over the past few decades. Janet ultimately comes from Hebrew and means “God’s gracious gift.”

Mercedes

Another name that means blessing that has a lux style is Mercedes. Mercedes comes from Spanish and means “gracious gifts.”

Gia

Do you like a touch of Italian to grace your baby’s name? Consider the concise and charming Gia for your energetic baby. This awesome name means “gracious gift of God.”

Dorothy

How sweet is the name Dorothy? It is an English name from the Greek appellation Dorothea that means “gift of God.” The name fell from favor for decades but returned to popularity in 2011.

Winifred

Winifred is another vintage name that means blessing. Winifred comes from Welsh and means “blessed peacemaker.” The name belongs to a legendary Welsh saint, which your daughter would no doubt love to learn about and also shares her namesake.

Theodora

Theodora is ripe for a revival of the charmingly old-fashioned names that were popular in the Victorian era. It’s the female form of Theodore, a name that means “gift of God.” The name fell off the top 1000 list in the 1950s before returning two years ago! This name has belonged to queens, princesses, and empresses! It has a storied history your daughter will love learning about someday.

Beatrix

Beatrix re-entered the US top 1000 for the first time since 1883 in 2019. Thankfully, this uplifting baby name has returned to favor after spending over 100 years out of play. Beatrix has Latin origins and mean “blessed” and “bringer of happiness.” We love the X-factor.

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Baby Names That Mean Blessing for Boys

Benedict

Parents who like Ben and Benjamin but find those names too popular consider Benedict as a more distinctive choice. Unlike the Old Testament Benjamin, Benedict is the name of the saint who formed the Benedictine Order and of fifteen popes, including a recent one. The name has Latin origins and means “blessed.” It’s one of the most steadfast boy names that mean blessing.

Zebediah

Another thrilling old name that means blessing, Zebediah has plenty of charm to spare, especially when you consider the nickname Zeb! Zebediah comes from Hebrew and means “gift of Jehovah.” This name has never been widely used in the US, but it could be!

Thaddeus

Thaddeus comes from Aramaic, and it very well may have predated Theodore. Scholars are not 100 percent certain about this, but most conclude that the name means “gift of God.” This name could use some more love from parents today, and we hope you consider this bold choice.

Jesse

Jesse has historically been one of America’s favorite names that mean blessing for boys. It’s been near the top since 1880, when baby-naming records begin in the US. Jesse comes from Hebrew and simply means “gift.”

Caius

It’s a mystery why Caius has never been broadly used by parents in the US. The name has a casual yet ancient quality to it that feels full of joy. Perhaps this uplifting baby boy name’s meaning is to thank for that! Caius has Latin roots that mean “rejoice.” While this is not exactly one of the names that mean blessing, it is what you do once you receive one. So, let’s rejoice!

Barack

Barack is a multicultural name that is found in a number of languages and naming traditions. Swahili, Arabic, and Hebrew all make good use of this electric name. Thus, Barack can have a variety of meanings that include “blessing,” “lighting,” and “thunderbolt”

Asher

A name that was sparingly used until the 1990s, Asher is a force to be reckoned with today. It’s currently one of the most popular names that mean blessing on this list. Asher comes from Hebrew and can mean “blessed,” “fortunate,” or “happy.” We’re not mad about a single one of those translations.

Mateo

Mateo has exploded in popularity over the last decade in the US. What’s not to love? It’s way more fun than time-tested Matthew, but it retains Matthew’s beautiful meaning: “gift of God.”

Boone

A rugged-sounding appellation, and one of the most charismatic names that mean blessing, Boone could be the perfect option for stylish parents today. Boone comes from English and French and means “a blessing” and “luck.”

Jonathan

Jonathan is a Biblical name that grew more popular than the perennial favorite John in the 1950s. Today, the “newness” of this name has worn off, and it has begun to slide in popularity. Jonathan comes from Hebrew and means “gift of Jehovah.”

Bennet

Bennet has been gaining steam in recent years, and it should come as no surprise why! It’s one of the most engaging names that mean blessing, which sounds easy and breezy. Bennet simply means “blessed.”

Theo

Theo is a shortened form of Theodore that comes from Greek and means “gift.” The same root name gives us Theodora, Dora, Dorothea, and Dorothy. Theo sounds way more casual than the others, with plenty of energy that we know young parents want in a name.

Nathaniel

A bit buttoned-up, but fun thanks to the many nicknames that come baked in, Nathaniel is one of the classic names that mean blessing that parents should return to. Nathaniel has Hebrew origins and means “gift of God.”

Felix

Felix was originally a Roman surname but was adopted as a nickname by the ancient Roman Sulla, who believed that it was especially blessed with luck by the gods. Four popes and sixty-seven saints have borne the name, so we think the meaning behind this name, “fortunate,” is most appropriate. This name is still popular today, just shy of the height of its popularity in the late 19th century.

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Shai

This simple and attractive name is sometimes confused with or anglicized as Shay or even the Irish Shea. But Shai is a traditional Hebrew name that means “gift.” The name is pronounced like the word shy, which could account for it not fully taking off in English-speaking tradition. It’s one of the best boy names that mean blessing.

There you go! What do you think of these baby names that mean blessing? We hope you found some worthy options for your little girl or boy. For even more baby name inspiration, keep reading. We’ve got over 80 names that mean “love” to share with you.

Names That Mean Love for Girls

Agapi

Agapi is a name of Greek origin that means “love” and “affection.” Despite the name being well-used in Greece today, you rarely encounter this name in the US. The name is used often and found in Greek pop culture.

Ahava

Ahava is an endearing Hebrew name for girls that also comes in the following forms and spellings: Ahavah, Ahaba, Ahabah, Ahuva, and Ahuvah. The name is referenced in the bible as a small river on whose banks Ezra assembled the Jews to prepare them spiritually for their journey out of Babylonian captivity. This name means “love.”

Aiko

Aiko is a unisex Japanese name that’s popular there today for both boys and girls. The appellation means “beloved child.” There are many famous folks with this name today.

Amada

Amada is the feminine form of the Spanish name Amado. It means “loved.” Amada is a unique name that’s becoming more famous thanks to Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes, who named their second daughter Amada Lee and their first Esmeralda Amada. We love the rhythmic quality of this understated name.

Amanda

Amanda might seem like a name that became trendy in the last century, but it was used throughout Europe for hundreds of years before it became popular in the US. Amanda is of Latin origin and means “she must be loved. It’s one of the most popular girl names that mean love.

Amata

Amata is a darling name of Italian and Latin origin, from the name Amatus, meaning “beloved.” Despite its simple sound and accessibility, this name has never been popular in the US. It’s one of the girl names that mean love that we want to hear more of.

Amora

Amora is a name of Spanish origin for girls that’s become popular in the US in the last several years. It’s now a top-500 name. This Latinate name means “love.” Fun fact: amora is a Portuguese word for “blackberry.”

Aroha

Aroha is a treasure of a name of Maori origin; it means “love.” If you’re looking for exotic girl names that mean love, this could be the right choice for you.

Avila

Avila is a German name for girls that means “desired,” “wished for,” or “water island.” The name is the precursor to the more popular name today, Evelyn. Probably the most famous Avila is St. Teresa of Avila (the name of the Spanish town of her origin).

Aziza

Aziza is a name found in a number of naming traditions, including Swahili, Hebrew, and Arabic. It’s one of the zippiest girl names that mean love, thanks to the double Z. The name means “powerful and beloved.”

Cariad

Do you have Welsh heritage? If so, Cariad would be one of the best girl names that mean love for you to consider. The name is closely associated with the Welsh folk song “Cariad Cywir.” The name means “love.” It’s never been a popular choice in the US, but it is one of the easiest Welsh names for English speakers to pronounce.

Carina

Carina is one of the girl names that mean love in Italian. The name was once popular in the US from the 1970s to the 2000s but has since fallen from fashion. To be more precise, this name translates as “dear little one.”

Carita

Carita is a name that originated in Latin, but you will find it most popular today for girls born in Scandinavia. This delicate name means “beloved.” A famous person with the name today is Carita Elisabeth Holmström, who is a Finnish singer, songwriter, and pianist.

Carwen

Carwen is the feminine version of the Welsh name Carwyn, meaning “blessed love.” It’s another one of the Welsh girl names that mean love. Carwen has yet to take off for girls born in the US, but we feel it has tons of potential.

Carys

Pronounced CA-riss, this is another Welsh name that means “love.” The name is very popular in the UK, even outside its native Wales. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas chose the name for their daughter.

Cher

The superstar Cher has kept parents from flocking to this name of French origin that means “beloved.” We think she’s a great excuse to choose this name!

Cordelia

Cordelia is one of the girl names that mean love with a bit more specific meaning in “heart” and “daughter of the sea.” The name originated in Latin as well as Celtic traditions. Cordelia is not nearly as popular today as it was a few decades ago in the US, but we still view it as a contender.

Desiree

Desiree is another one of the French girl names that mean love. The name means “desired,” to be exact. The name ranked in the top 1000 from 1957 to 2017 in the US but has since fallen from favor.

Dua

Dua is one of those names made famous by a single celebrity, British-Albanian model and singer Dua Lipa. The name is found in Albanian and Arabic traditions as one of the girl names that mean love or “prayer.” It’s only a matter of time before this modern-sounding name takes off more broadly.

Elska

Elska is one of our favorite girl names that mean love. It originated in Old Norse and is still widely used across Nordic countries and Scandinavia.

Eowyn

Eowyn is a name made popular by The Lord of the Rings, but the name is ancient, originating in Old English and meaning “horse lover.” Novelist Eowyn Ivey is one famous American example with the name. It’s uncommon in the US, but we want that to change.

Esme

Esme is one of the girl names that mean love that’s on the rise in the US today. It is of French and Persian origin and was long popular in France before crossing the pond.

Habiba

Habiba is one of the girl names that mean love, popular in Somalia and North Africa among Muslim families. The exact translation of the name is “beloved” or “sweetheart.” Unfortunately, the appellation is not popular in the US.

Halia

One of the girl names that mean love which has the most poetic meaning, comes from Hawaii. Halia means “remembrance of a loved one.” Isn’t that amazing? The name is widely used in Hawaii, but it is rare elsewhere. Bring Halia to the Lower 48!

Haviva

Haviva is a name of Hebrew origin that means “well-loved.” The more common form of the name is spelled Aviva, but if you’re looking for one starting with H, it could be the way to go.

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Idony

Pronounced ID-uh-nee, Idony is another Norse girl’s name. To be exact, the appellation means “love again” and “renewal.” Idony is the mythic Norse goddess of spring and eternal youth, making this name one to really fall in love with.

Ife

Ife is a simple yet beautiful name of Yoruba-West African origin. The name has gone virtually unused in the US despite it being one of the most straightforward girl names that mean love.

Janan

Janan is a name of Arabic origin that’s used for both girls and boys. The emphasis is on the second syllable of this appellation which means “heart” and “soul.” This name has never been popular in the US, but we hope that changes in the coming years.

Kalila

Kalila is another one of the girl names that mean love in Arabic. If you’re looking for alternatives to names like Lola and Lila, this could be the right choice for you. Kalila is one of the names on this list that’s the most fun to say.

Karita

Karita is the Icelandic form of Carita, which we shared with you earlier. Both names mean “beloved.” Further, both names are popular across Scandinavia.

Kerensa

Kerensa is one of the few Cornish girl names that mean love. Kerensa is a name used by novelist Victoria Holt in the Cornish-set The Legend of the Seventh Virgin. You will also find this name spelled Kerenza, which has added zip.

Lennon

Lennon is a unisex option of Irish and English origin that means “lover.” This name has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity over the past several years, especially for baby girls. It’s one of the hottest girl names that mean love in America today.

Luba

Luba is one of the girl names that mean love found in Russian, Slavic, and Yiddish. All meanings translate to “love” for this multi-cultural appellation.

Ludmila

We’re not sure if the Slavic name Ludmila translates for a baby born in the US today, but it is one option that means “beloved of the people.” Ludmila names a tenth-century saint who had been a princess from Bohemia. Ludmila is widely used in Russia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria.

Mabel

Mabel is one of our favorite vintage girl names. It is a shortened form of Amabel, from Latin, meaning “lovable.” The name is on a slow climb once more in the US as more parents are returning to this absolute gem of a name.

Mabli

Want a sweeter form of Mabel? The Welsh use Mabli, which has a touch more romance. It’s one of the girl names that’s making a comeback in Wales today after falling from fashion for decades. We’re happy to see this one return.

Maite

Pronounced MY-teh, Maite is a name of Basque origin. Despite this name’s mighty sound, it means “beloved.” It is virtually unused in the US.

Milada

Milada is an enchanting name of Czech origin that means “my love.” Despite it being unknown to most English speakers, the name is a huge hit in its native country.

Milena

Another one of the Czech girl names that mean love, Milan additionally, can mean “warmth” and “grace.” The name is fairly uncommon in the US, but it is the given name for Mila Kunis. It’s a huge hit among Slavic languages.

Nayeli

A name rarely heard outside the Latino community, Nayeli originated in Zapotec, a language from indigenous Mexico. Nayeli has been a popular choice in the US since the 1990s. We absolutely love it.

Nemy

Pronounced NEE-mee, Nemy is a name of Mende origin that’s found in West Africa. Doesn’t it sound sweet? In fact, it means “sweet.”

Philomena

Philomena has been an old standard in the UK for decades. It was last popular in the US in the 1940s. It has since fallen from fashion and is considered an “old lady name.” We still have a fondness for this name, meaning “lover of strength.”

Philothea

One of the rarest names that mean love comes from Greek and will likely be attractive to parents of faith. Philothea means “lover of God.” There are two possible pronunciations for this name: fil-oh-THEE-ah or fil-oh-THAY-ah.

Pippa

Pippa is an English diminutive form of Phillipa, a name of Greek origin, meaning “lover of horses.” Pippa has a youthful, energetic vibe that’s much more current than Phillipa. Pippa is much more commonly given in other English-speaking countries than in the US.

Priya

One of the very best names on this list comes from Sanskrit. Priya means “beloved,” to be exact, and it is widely used in India today. There, Priya is traditionally given to girls born in August.

Querida

Querida is a rare Spanish name that means “beloved.” It’s a bit of a mouthful but not a dealbreaker.

Shirn

Shirin is one of the names that’s love-adjacent. This Persian name means “charming” and “sweet.” The name is considered unisex, but we favor it for girls.

Suki

One of the best and most accessible Japanese girl names that mean love is Suki. The name more specifically means “loved one.”

Vashti

Vashti is a Persian name that means “lovely,” and it is mentioned in the Bible. Vashti was once a mildly popular option in the US but fell completely out of fashion by 1907. We think this treasure should return.

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Yaretzi

Yaretzi has been a popular choice in the US since 2006. This name comes from Nahuatl and Aztec traditions as an appellation meaning “you will always be loved.” It’s one of the names with the most arresting sentiment behind it. This name is also popular in Mexico today, and we hope it continues to see favor.

Names That Mean Love for Boys

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.”

Amias

Amias is one of the boy’s names 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.

Aziz

Aziz is a traditional Arabic name. 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.

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.

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. Caron could be the right move for you if you’re looking for a unisex name.

Carwyn

We’re sticking with Welsh names for a bit longer. One of the most underutilized boy names 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.

Ceri

Here’s another one of the Welsh names for boys. 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 sweetest Hebrew boy names, Chaviv, has an intriguing sound and is one of the lesser-known Hebrew names. 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.

Cordian

Cordian comes 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, likely seen as a “dad name.” This appellation is of French origin and means “dear one” or “beloved.”

David

David is derived from the Hebrew name Dawid, which evolved from the element dod, meaning “beloved.” It’s one of the most used names ever. An evergreen favorite, never dropping out of the top 50 most popular names for boys in the US.

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!

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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. The name was a mildly popular choice before the 1900s in the US.

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 names for boys. The appellation translates to “beloved friend.” This name has never been widely beloved in the US.

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; both 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.

Lennan

Lennan is an Irish option. The name translates to “sweetheart” or “lover.” This name is different from Lennon. Be prepared to correct others as they will be more familiar with Lennon than Lennan.

Lev

Lev is found in both Hebrew and Russian naming traditions. 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.

Liev

Liev is the Yiddish form of Lev, making it potentially attractive to Jewish parents. Liev translates to “heart.”

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.

Obi

Obi might give you Star Wars vibes, but it is from the Ibo-Nigerian naming tradition. The appellation means “heart.” The name has never been popular in the US except in pop culture.

Pip

Sure, you could go with the classic name, Philip, but we love the short form Pip for boys. It means “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.

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.

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 rare, but we would love to hear this endearing option more often in the states.

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Sajan

One of the most accessible Hindi names, 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.

Theophilus

Theophilus? Yes, it is a mouthful, but we think this name has tons of potential, including the desirable nickname, Theo. This appellation means “lover of God” or “friend of God.”

There you go! Did you fall head over heels for one of these baby names that mean love? If you’re expecting on Valentine’s Day in February or just want to celebrate love, any of these names would be an excellent fit.