Love Names

A literary name created by J. R. R. Tolkien for a Lord of the Rings noblewoman of Rohan. Properly spelled with an accent over the first E – Éowyn – it would make an interesting choice for literature lovers or fans of names like Elowen and Evelyn.

Erasmus has long retained the image of the bearded and bespectacled Dutch philosopher, but could be one that the audacious baby namer just might dare to dust off.

Parents have been creating their own names from existing appellations since the beginning of time. So have authors, from Shakespeare to George R. R. Martin. As far as modern attempts go, Esmarie, which combines Esme and Marie, has a nice natural flow and a sound that is very pleasant.

Esmé comes from the past participle of the Old French verb esmer, meaing "to esteem" or "to love." It can also be considered a derivative of the Spanish name Esmeralda, which means "emerald".

As classic as it comes in Italy — Filippo was once common during the Renaissance, and today remains in the Top 25.

See PHILOMENA.

Feminine form of Gottlieb

A North African choice, particularly popular in Tunisia and Syria.

This is a Muslim female name particularly popular in Somalia and North Africa.

Halia is one of Hawaii's top baby names, in the Top 50 for girls in 2021. But it's rare outside its native Hawaii, given to only 57 baby girls in the US last year.

One you might like for its cozy meaning, but there is that Pied Piper rat connection.

Idony was the Norse goddess of spring and eternal youth, and variants of her obscure name could come under consideration with the rest of the fashionable I pack.

Simple African name all-but-unknown in the U.S. and Europe, which is exactly why it might make a perfect choice. Similarity to such popular names as Ava and Eva (and the Irish Aoife) makes it more familiar, but potentially more confusing.

This sweet little acronym, popularized in the age of texting, has established itself as a baby name. The similarity to Ivy, Isla and Riley/Miley has undoubtedly played a role.

The rise of the the various Isabel names may give a boost to this variation, which has a sunny, springtime feel.

Like its better known cousin Jedidiah, Jebediah is one of those four-syllable Old Testament names that is being shorn of its long white-bearded image, with the help of its modern-sounding Jeb nickname.

Blink and you’ll miss that the first I in Jedidiah was swapped for an E.

Karita and Karitas are the Icelandic spins on Charity, also found as Carita and Caritas throughout Scandinavian. While to the English speakers these names may feel like a Latinate endearment, they are popular names in their own right.

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 common Hawaiian surname.

An appealing unisex Hawaiian name (more commonly used for boys) with a lovely meaning and vibrant sound. It derives from the words ke "the" and aloha "love". Keahloha is also a common Hawaiian surname.