Names That Mean Beloved

A striking form of international favourite Maria, the meaning of which 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).

Contracted form of Leofric, which would make an intriguing addition to the modern lexicon of Leo names.

Variant of Marybeth

Variant of Marianne

A pretty smoosh name predominantly used by Italian Catholics.

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

An unconventional Spanish and Portuguese smoosh name made up of feminine Maria and masculine Jose.

Varying Filbert does not improve the name: it still makes one think of a nut.

An outdated feminine form of David sometimes heard in the UK, though Davina is more usual..

Variant of Mariella

A unisex name used in Nahuatl culture in Mexico and Central America.

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.

An elaboration of Marisa, a combination of Maria and Louisa. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but 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).

Loving choice.

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

A French variant of the Ancient Germanic name Leobin, a diminutive of names beginning with the element liob "beloved". The was a 6th century saint Lubin/Leobin, after whom several French towns are named.

Sometimes used a Dutch diminutive of Marie, the meaning of which 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).

Rather dated smoosh name.

Frilly but undeniably beautiful. The meaning of Mary is uncertain, but 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).