Baby Name Meanings
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
Possible variation of Esme
"esteemed, beloved"
The rise of the the various Isabel names may give a boost to this variation, which has a sunny, springtime feel. Although this name has been around since the thirteenth century, its origins remain…
Sanskrit
"love, desire"
Kama is the winged Hindu god of love, son of Lakshmi. His proper name is Kamadeva.
Hawaiian
"loved one"
An appealing Hawaiian name with a lovely meaning and vibrant sound – reminiscent of rising Hawaiian stars Kai, Koa and Kainoa. It derives from the words ke "the" and aloha "love". Keahloha is also a…
Icelandic and Swedish variation of Carita, Swedish from Latin
"beloved"
Karita and Karitas are the Icelandic spins on Charity, also found as Carita and Caritas throughout Scandinavia. While to the English speakers, these names may feel like a Latinate endearment, they…
Cornish
"love"
Kerensa, forever romantic, is a rare Cornish name spelled with an ' s ' or ' z ', the most modern of the Karen family. Kerensa (or Kerenza) has ties to the Welsh Cerys. Kerensa is a name favored by…
Spelling variation of Kerris or Cerys
This phonetic version of the Welsh Cerys might be easier for Americans, certainly, to understand, but it does lose some poetry in translation.
Irish
"sweetheart, lover"
From the Irish Leannan, this, unfortunately, would be constantly mistaken for Lennon.
Germanic
"beloved kingdom"
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…
"pleasant, sweet"
This attractive Indian unisex name has a number of interesting variations with equally appealing meanings, including Manjula and Manjusha.
Mende
"sweet"
Friendly and energetic name from the Mende language of West Africa.
Scottish
"sweet lady"
This unusual name found in Scottish poetry would make a distinctive Gaelic pick.
Welsh
"loveable"
Mabli is the sweet Welsh variant of Mabel, first used at the beginning of the 20th-century making it a relatively modern choice. Cute but energetic with the appeal of other Welsh names like Cadi and…
Czech
"my love"
An unusual spin on Mila and Milena.
"my fine one; my woman; my beloved"
A lyrical Welsh name with both poetry and ruggedness, Myfanwy can mean "my fine, delicate one", "my woman", or "my beloved", depending on whether you consider the second element as derived from manwy…
"festive; affection, endearment"
An anglicized spelling of Muirne, the name of the mother of Finn mac Cool in Irish legend, Myrna has a unique sound and two possible meanings, both of which are positive. Actress Myrna Loy was a…
Greek
"lover of God"
The name of a saint in the Greek Orthodox Church and the Greek version of the more familiar Amadea / Amadeus. Philothea could make for a lovely, unusual way to get to stylish Thea. Bottom line:…
Dutch
This Dutch name stems from the Greek root word "philos" meaning "love". It is relatively common in the Netherlands.
English, diminutive of Philip
"lover of horses"
The original Pip was the main character in Great Expectations (full name Philip Pirrip). Cute for a tike, maybe too cute for an adult.
Shona
In the Shona language of souther Africa, this simple and wearable boys' name means love .
Armenian
"lovely"
A shimmery name with a wonderful meaning; another intriguing variation is Siroun.
