Names That Mean Beloved

Variant of Marise

A pretty and little-known Spanish smoosh name, combining Maria with Celia. As such, it may have a number of meanings.

Common Japanese name rising for both sexes in the US.

Maori form of Mary

Derived from Old English leof "dear, beloved" + ric "power; reign; kingdom". A notable historical bearer is Leofric, Earl of Mercia: he was the husband of Lady Godiva, who (legend has it) promised his wife that he would reduce taxation if she rode naked through the streets of Coventry.

This Slavic classic name might begin to make its mark with American parents, what with the growing popularity of the short form Mila. Borne by a tenth century saint who had been a princess from Bohemia, Ludmila is widely used in Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

An ancient name belonging to several medieval English clergymen, also spelt Leofwin or Leobwin.

Star Wars fans may know the lore behind the origin of the word and the concept Jedi well enough to confidently choose their name for their child. It has to do with balancing the forces of the universe.

Truncated form of Marylouise.

Variant of Maribel

A captivating and sprightly name brought into the limelight by actress Thandiwe Newton.

Variant of Marianne

The meaning of Maria, from which Marysia is derived, is uncertain. Theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).

Whether you pronounce it like the original Amy or the Frenchified Ay-may, this form adds considerable elan to an old favorite.

In Slovenia, Maca is more common as an independent name than its parent name Marija.

Variant of Marilyn

Moana may be the best-known South Sea Islander name thanks to Disney. This puts a male spin on the appealing nature name.

Turkish form of Mary or Miriam, very popular in its homeland and, increasingly, in France too. The Turkish name for the Virgin Mary is Meryem Ana (or Meryemana).

Davit, a form of the biblical classic David, is currently the most popular name for baby boys in Armenia.