Names that mean Love.
The ones cherished before they were born. — 212 names across 15 peoples.
Abigailegirl“A beloved daughter who brings her father joy”Lingala · /ab-ih-GAH-ee-leh/Aboubacarboy“A name honoring Abu Bakr, the first caliph and a beloved companion of the Prophet”Fulani · /ah-boo-bah-KAHR/Adannagirl“Daughter of her father; a beloved father's daughter”Igbo · /ah-DAHN-nah/Adofoboy or girl“A beloved child, dearly cherished”Akan · /ah-DOH-foh/Ahadiboy or girl“Arabic-derived: a promise of enduring love and family continuity”Swahili · /ah-HAH-dee/Ahmaduboy“The most praised; a beloved Muslim name associated with the Prophet Muhammad”Hausa · /ah-MAH-doo/Aissatougirl“A name honoring Aisha, remembered as a beloved wife of the Prophet”Fulani · /eye-sah-TOO/Akumaagirl“A beloved little girl, treasured by her family”Akan · /ah-koo-MAH/Anerudogirl““She has love” or “one who has love.””Shona · /ah-neh-ROO-doh/Anodiwagirl“Beloved and deeply cherished”Shona · /ah-noh-DEE-wah/Aramegirl“A beloved and respected woman”Wolof · /ah-RAHM/Ariyikegirl“We have found someone to pamper/cherish.”Yoruba · /ah-ree-YEE-keh/Auduboy“A beloved traditional Muslim name associated with Prophet Dawud”Hausa · /OW-doo/Ayanfeboy or girl“Beloved; chosen for love.”Yoruba · /ah-yahn-feh/Ayinkegirl“One whom we cherish/pamper; someone to be cared for.”Yoruba · /ah-YEEN-keh/Ayneshgirl“You are my eye; a precious one to cherish”Amharic · /eye-NESH/Azizboy“Precious, honored, and beloved”Wolof · /ah-ZEEZ/Azizagirl“Precious, cherished, and beloved”Wolof · /ah-ZEE-zah/Baababoy“Father; a warm name honoring a beloved father or paternal elder.”Fulani · /BAH-bah/Bababoy“A beloved father or respected elder”Hausa · /BAH-bah/Bambaboy“A shared West African male name and surname, also found among Fula families. It is notably associated in Senegal with Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, but does not literally mean “beloved and respected child” or “religious devotion.””Fulani · /BAM-bah/Bambaboy“A beloved and spiritually respected man”Wolof · /BAHM-bah/Bien-aimeegirl“Beloved; from French bien-aimée.”Lingala · /byen-ah-MAY/Bintagirl“A beloved daughter and treasured child”Hausa · /BIN-tah/Bolingoboy or girl“Love—the deep affection and happiness a child brings into the home”Lingala · /boh-LEENG-goh/Busisiwegirl“Blessed and watched over with love”Xhosa · /boo-see-SEE-weh/Cabdicasiisboy“Arabic-derived: servant of the Almighty and Beloved”Somali · /ab-dee-ah-SEES/Charitygirl“Charitable love; generosity”Kikuyu · /CHAR-ih-tee/Charitygirl“A child associated with love, kindness, and generosity”Shona · /CHAR-i-tee/Chidogirl“Desire, love, or something wished for.”Shona · /CHEE-doh/Chidochangugirl“My desire; my love.”Shona · /chee-doh-CHAN-goo/Curadboy“The beloved firstborn child”Somali · /koo-RAD/Daawuudboy“A beloved prophet and a name associated with wisdom and devotion”Somali · /daa-WUUD/Danaigirl“Love one another; love each other.”Shona · /dah-NAH-ee/Dananaiboy or girl“Love and togetherness”Shona · /dah-nah-NYE/Daudaboy“Arabic-derived Hausa form of David, meaning “beloved””Hausa · /DOW-dah/Daudiboy“Arabic-derived: the Swahili form of David, meaning “beloved””Swahili · /DAH-oo-dee/Davideboy“Beloved; deeply cherished.”Xhosa · /dah-VEE-deh/Davidiboy“Beloved”Lingala · /dah-VEE-dee/Davitiboy“Shona form of David; “beloved.””Shona · /dah-VEE-tee/Dawitboy“Beloved”Amharic · /DAH-wit/Dawudboy“Arabic-derived: David, a beloved prophet and king”Somali · /DAH-wud/Doudouboy or girl“Beloved, dear, or sweetheart; an affectionate name or pet name used for either sex.”Wolof · /DOO-doo/Enatgirl“Mother; a warm name honoring nurture, love, and family”Amharic · /EH-nat/Erastoboy“Beloved; pleasing”Shona · /eh-RAH-stoh/Erastoboy“Name widely used in Tanzania and Kenya, meaning beloved”Swahili · /eh-RAS-toh/Fatigirl“A beloved, familiar form of Fatima”Hausa · /FAH-tee/Fatoumatagirl“A name honoring Fatimah, the beloved daughter of the Prophet”Fulani · /fah-too-MAH-tah/Femiboy or girl“Love me; in a longer name, God loves me”Yoruba · /FEH-mee/Fikirboy or girl“Love and affection”Amharic · /fi-KEER/Fikirtegirl“A beloved child, cherished with love”Amharic · /fi-KEER-teh/Fikreboy“My love; a heartfelt expression of affection”Amharic · /FIK-reh/Fikreabboy“Love of the Father; a name expressing devotion and faith”Amharic · /FIK-reh-ahb/Fikremariamboy“Love of Mary”Amharic · /FIK-reh-mah-ree-AHM/Fikreselassieboy“Love of the Holy Trinity”Amharic · /FIK-reh-seh-LAHS-see/Fikretgirl“Love, tenderness and affection”Amharic · /FIK-ret/Fikreyesusboy“Love of Jesus”Amharic · /FIK-reh-YEH-soos/Fumnanyagirl“Love me; a tender reminder that the child is deeply loved”Igbo · /foom-NAHN-yah/Gacalisogirl“Beloved woman; darling; dear one.”Somali · /ga-ka-LEE-so/Gacaliyeboy“Cushitic/Somali: a beloved or dearly cherished person”Somali · /gah-cha-LEE-yeh/Gacalogirl“Cushitic/Somali: beloved one or dear companion”Somali · /ga-ka-lo/Genetgirl“Paradise—a joyful name for a beloved child”Amharic · /geh-NET/Habeebboy“Beloved and dearly cherished”Yoruba · /ha-BEEB/Habibboy“Beloved and dear”Fulani · /ha-BEEB/Habibboy“A beloved and cherished child”Hausa · /ha-BEEB/Habibboy“Beloved and dearly cherished”Wolof · /hah-BEEB/Habibagirl“Beloved and dearly cherished”Amharic · /ha-BEE-bah/Habibagirl“Beloved and cherished”Fulani · /ha-BEE-bah/Habibagirl“Beloved; dearly loved.”Wolof · /ha-BEE-ba/Habibagirl“Beloved and dearly cherished”Yoruba · /ha-BEE-ba/Habibatagirl“Beloved; dearly loved.”Wolof · /ha-bee-BA-ta/Habibuboy“A beloved and treasured son”Hausa · /ha-BEE-boo/Habibullahboy“Arabic-derived: beloved of God.”Hausa · /ha-beeb-ool-LAH/Habygirl“Usually a Senegalese/West African short form of Habiba or Habibatu, meaning “beloved.””Fulani · /HAH-bee/Habygirl“A common Senegalese feminine short form of Habiba/Habibata; “beloved.””Wolof · /HAH-bee/Hadijagirl“A dignified and respected woman, recalling the beloved name of Khadijah”Swahili · /ha-DEE-jah/Hubaboy or girl“Love and deep affection”Swahili · /HOO-bah/Hunanyaboy or girl“Love — a tender name celebrating affection and deep connection.”Igbo · /hoo-NAHN-yah/Ibrahimboy“Father of multitudes, a hopeful name for a child surrounded by love”Amharic · /ib-rah-HEEM/Ifeboy or girl“Love”Yoruba · /ee-FEH/Ifedayoboy or girl“Love has blossomed into joy”Yoruba · /ee-feh-DAH-yaw/Ifedolapoboy or girl“Love has brought abundant blessings”Yoruba · /ee-feh-doh-LAH-paw/Ifedunboy or girl“Love is sweet”Yoruba · /ee-feh-DOON/Ifelayogirl“Love has joy; love is joyful.”Yoruba · /ee-feh-lah-YOH/Ifelolaboy or girl“Love is a precious blessing”Yoruba · /ee-feh-LOH-lah/Ifemayoboy or girl“Love brings joy”Yoruba · /ee-feh-MAH-yaw/Ifeoluwaboy or girl“God’s love”Yoruba · /ee-feh-oh-LOO-wah/Ifetayoboy or girl“Love is joy”Yoruba · /ee-feh-TAH-yaw/Ifetundunboy or girl“Love has renewed the sweetness of life”Yoruba · /ee-feh-toon-DOON/Ifunanyagirl“Love and affection”Igbo · /ee-foo-NAHN-yah/Ihunanyagirl“Love and affection”Igbo · /ee-hoo-NAHN-yah/Ingridgirl“Beautiful or beloved of Ing, an Old Norse god.”Lingala · /ING-grid/Innagirl“Indigenous Hausa: mother; an affectionate name evoking maternal love and care”Hausa · /IN-nah/Iqragirl“Read or recite, associated with learning, wisdom, and a love of knowledge”Amharic · /IK-rah/Iqragirl“Arabic-derived: read or recite, celebrating learning, knowledge, and a love of the word”Hausa · /IK-rah/Isaboy“Jesus, the beloved name of the central figure of Christianity”Amharic · /EE-sah/Isaboy“Arabic-derived: Jesus, a beloved prophet in Islam”Hausa · /EE-sah/Ismailboy“A name honoring a beloved son and respected ancestor”Hausa · /ees-mah-EEL/Kalkidangirl“A child of promise and faithful love”Amharic · /kahl-kee-DAHN/Kaunagirl“A beloved child surrounded by love”Hausa · /KOW-nah/Kebebushgirl“You are held in love and protection”Amharic · /keh-beh-BOOSH/Kemiboy or girl“Cherish me; pamper me with love”Yoruba · /keh-mee/Khalilboy“Friend; especially a close or beloved friend.”Fulani · /kha-LEEL/Libanboy“Somali/Cushitic: the beloved one”Somali · /LEE-ban/Likaboboy or girl“Gift—a precious child received with gratitude and love”Lingala · /lee-KAH-boh/Liliangirl“An English/Christian name used by many Kikuyu families, generally associated with Lily/the lily rather than “beloved and graceful.””Kikuyu · /LIL-ee-an/Lovemoreboy“A reminder to live with abundant love”Shona · /luv-MOR/Lovenessgirl“Love or affection; an English-style Zimbabwean female given name.”Shona · /luv-NES/Lovenessgirl“English-derived East African name expressing love and affection”Swahili · /LOV-ness/Luthandoboy or girl“Love and affection”Xhosa · /loo-TAHN-doh/Luthandoboy or girl“Love and affection”Zulu · /loo-TAHN-doh/Lwandoboy“Love and affection; a child welcomed with warmth”Xhosa · /LWAHN-doh/Mahbubagirl“Beloved; dearly loved.”Swahili · /mah-BOO-bah/Mameboy or girl“A beloved elder or grandparent, and by extension a name that honors family memory and ancestors.”Wolof · /MAHM/Mapendoboy or girl“Love and deep affection”Swahili · /mah-PEN-doh/Mariamgirl“A beloved name associated with Mary, purity, and devotion”Swahili · /MAH-ree-am/Maryamgirl“Arabic-derived; a beloved and spiritually pure woman”Hausa · /MAR-yam/Maryangirl“Arabic-derived: beloved and exalted”Somali · /MAR-yan/Matumainiboy or girl“The hopes and joyful expectations placed in a beloved child.”Swahili · /ma-too-ma-EE-nee/Mawaddagirl“Affection, love, loving kindness.”Swahili · /mah-WAD-dah/Mawaddahgirl“Love, affection, and tender friendship”Swahili · /mah-WAD-dah/Mawandeboy or girl“A hopeful blessing that the family, love and prosperity will continue to grow.”Xhosa · /mah-WAHN-deh/Mebrategirl“My light, a tender name for a beloved daughter”Amharic · /meh-BRAH-teh/Mesayboy“One who resembles or takes after someone beloved”Amharic · /meh-SIGH/Mitikuboy“A beloved child who fills a precious place in the family”Amharic · /mih-TEE-koo/Mofeoluwagirl“I love and desire God’s presence.”Yoruba · /moh-feh-oh-LOO-wah/Mofolukegirl“I have someone precious to care for and cherish.”Yoruba · /moh-foh-LOO-keh/Morenikegirl“I have someone to cherish and pamper.”Yoruba · /moh-reh-nee-KEH/Morenikejigirl“I have found another one to cherish and pamper”Yoruba · /moh-reh-NEE-keh-jee/Morolakegirl“I have found wealth/honour to cherish or care for.”Yoruba · /moh-roh-LAH-keh/Morounkegirl“I have someone to pamper or cherish.”Yoruba · /moh-roon-KEH/Morounrantigirl“I have someone to remember/cherish.”Yoruba · /moh-roon-RAHN-tee/Moyoboy“Bantu-origin name meaning “heart,” warmly suggesting courage, love, and inner strength”Swahili · /MOH-yoh/Mthandeniboy“Beloved one; loved one.”Xhosa · /m-tahn-DEH-nee/Mthandeniboy“Love him dearly”Zulu · /m-tan-DEH-nee/Mudiwaboy or girl“Beloved and dearly cherished”Shona · /moo-DEE-wah/Mudiwanasheboy or girl““Beloved of God” / “God’s beloved.””Shona · /moo-dee-wah-NAH-sheh/Mugaluboy“Beloved, dear, or cherished one.”Luganda · /moo-GA-loo/Mukenyogirl“A smile—the happiness and warmth brought by a beloved child.”Kikuyu · /moo-KEHN-yoh/Mukwanoboy or girl“Beloved or dear one; a name expressing affection and closeness.”Luganda · /moo-KWAH-noh/Munodaboy““You love” or “you want,” depending on context.”Shona · /moo-NOH-dah/Muthonigirl“A beloved or cherished one—a tender blessing for a much-loved daughter”Kikuyu · /moo-THOH-nee/Nanagirl“A daughter named in honor of a beloved grandmother or elder”Hausa · /NAH-nah/Nifeboy or girl“Love is present; one who is loved”Yoruba · /nee-FEH/Nifemiboy or girl“Love me”Yoruba · /nee-FEH-mee/Nifemidayoboy or girl“My love has brought joy”Yoruba · /nee-FEH-mee-deh-AH-yaw/Nifemilayoboy or girl“My love is joy”Yoruba · /nee-FEH-mee-lah-YAW/Noluthandogirl“A beloved daughter and a source of love”Xhosa · /noh-loo-TAHN-doh/Noluthandogirl“A child surrounded by love”Zulu · /noh-loo-TAHN-doh/Nontandogirl“A beloved child who embodies love”Xhosa · /nohn-TAHN-doh/Nontandogirl“Mother of love.”Zulu · /non-TAN-doh/Nothandogirl“A child born into love”Zulu · /noh-TAHN-doh/Ntandoboy or girl“Love; will, desire, or intention.”Xhosa · /ntahn-DOH/Ntandoboy or girl“Will, desire, purpose, or love.”Zulu · /n-TAHN-doh/Ntombikayisegirl“Father’s girl; a beloved daughter with a strong family bond”Zulu · /ntom-bee-kah-YEE-seh/Nwaomaboy or girl“Good and beautiful child; a warm family blessing for a beloved son or daughter”Igbo · /nwah-oh-mah/Nyamebaboy or girl“Child of God—held in God’s care and love”Akan · /nyah-meh-BAH/Nyamekyeboy or girl“Gift from God—a beloved child received with joy”Akan · /nyah-meh-CHEH/Odoboy or girl“Love—a warm-hearted nature and care for others”Akan · /OH-doh/Ohemaagirl“Queenly, dignified, and worthy of love and honor”Akan · /oh-HEH-mah/Olajumokegirl“Wealth has gathered people to cherish me”Yoruba · /oh-lah-joo-MOH-keh/Olaronkegirl“Wealth/honor has someone to cherish or pamper.”Yoruba · /oh-lah-RAWN-keh/Olufunkegirl“God has given me someone to cherish”Yoruba · /oh-loo-FOON-keh/Padewaleboy or girl“May you come home to love and belonging”Yoruba · /pah-deh-WAH-leh/Paidamoyogirl“Love of the heart; heartfelt love.”Shona · /pie-dah-MOY-oh/Papeboy“A beloved and honored man”Wolof · /PAHP/Pendagirl“Beloved and cherished”Fulani · /PEN-dah/Pendoboy or girl“Bantu-origin: love and affection”Swahili · /PEN-doh/Rahmagirl“Arabic-derived: mercy, kindness, and compassionate love”Hausa · /RAH-mah/Rainagirl“Indigenous Hausa: my life, a tender expression of love for a cherished child”Hausa · /RAI-nah/Ramatugirl“Arabic-derived: mercy, tenderness, and compassionate love”Hausa · /rah-MAH-too/Rudoboy or girl“Love and affection”Shona · /ROO-doh/Siyamthandaboy or girl“We love this child deeply—a joyful declaration of family affection”Xhosa · /see-yah-m-TAHN-dah/Siyamthandaboy or girl“We love him or her”Zulu · /see-yah-m-TAN-dah/Tewodajboy“Beloved, cherished, or widely loved”Amharic · /teh-woh-DAJ/Thandekagirl“Beloved; one who is worthy of love”Zulu · /tahn-DEH-kah/Thandiwegirl“Beloved and cherished”Zulu · /tahn-DEE-weh/Thandoboy or girl“Love and tenderness”Xhosa · /TAHN-doh/Thandoboy or girl“Love”Zulu · /TAHN-doh/Thandokuhleboy or girl“Beautiful love”Zulu · /tan-doh-KOO-hleh/Thandoluhleboy or girl“Love that is beautiful and good”Zulu · /tan-doh-LOO-hleh/Thandolwenkosiboy“The love of the Lord.”Zulu · /than-doh-lwen-KOH-see/Thandolwethuboy or girl“Our shared love and precious bond”Xhosa · /tahn-doh-LWEH-too/Thandolwethuboy or girl“Our love; a child who unites the family in affection”Zulu · /than-doh-LWEH-too/Thanduxoloboy“A life filled with love and peace”Xhosa · /tahn-doo-KOH-loh/Thanduxoloboy“Love and peace”Zulu · /than-doo-KHOH-loh/Tilayeboy“A beloved child who is a source of comfort and protection.”Amharic · /tee-LAH-yeh/Tomasboy“A beloved twin or companion”Swahili · /TOH-mahs/Unathiboy or girl“A beloved child who is with us and part of the family”Xhosa · /oo-NAH-tee/Upendoboy or girl“Love, affection, and a heart full of kindness”Swahili · /oo-PEN-doh/Usainiboy“Hausa form of Husayn; a beloved and honored descendant of the Prophet's family”Hausa · /oo-SAI-nee/Vadisaigirl“Love; loving (commonly understood as an appeal connected with love).”Shona · /vah-dee-SAI/Valentinagirl“A strong, healthy child who brings love and happiness”Swahili · /val-en-TEE-nah/Wadzanaiboy or girl“May love and mutual care surround you”Shona · /wah-dzah-NAI/Wafagirl“A life marked by loyalty, devotion, and steadfast love; Arabic-derived.”Hausa · /WAH-fah/Walidboy“A beloved newborn and welcome new arrival; Arabic-derived.”Hausa · /wah-LEED/Wardagirl“A beautiful rose, symbolizing love and tenderness”Swahili · /WAR-dah/Wegeneboy or girl“My kinsman or my beloved relative”Amharic · /weh-GEH-neh/Wendogirl“Love and affection”Kikuyu · /WEN-doh/Wubneshgirl“You are beautiful and beloved”Amharic · /woob-NESH/Wuditugirl“Beloved and cherished”Amharic · /woo-DEE-too/Wunmiboy or girl“This is the child I have longed for and welcomed with love”Yoruba · /Wून-mee/Xabiibboy“A beloved and cherished son”Somali · /kha-BIIB/Xabiibagirl“A beloved and treasured daughter”Somali · /kha-BEE-ba/Yamkelaboy or girl“Welcome and receive this child with love”Xhosa · /yahm-KEH-lah/Yamkelaboy or girl“Welcome and receive this beloved child”Zulu · /yam-KEH-lah/Yandegirl““Beloved” or “loved one.””Wolof · /YAN-deh/Yeneneshgirl“You are mine—a tender expression of love and belonging”Amharic · /yeh-neh-NESH/Yeshimebetgirl“A beloved daughter associated with a home and family”Amharic · /yeh-shim-eh-BET/Yusufuboy“Arabic-derived Hausa form of Yusuf, meaning “Joseph”; a beloved prophetic name”Hausa · /yoo-SOO-foo/Zewditugirl“Her crown; a beloved and honored child”Amharic · /zeh-WOO-dee-too/Zolaboy or girl“Love; related to the Lingala verb zola, “to love.””Lingala · /zoh-lah/