Names That Mean Beloved

Phonetic spelling of Esme, popular in the UK.

An outdated feminine form of David sometimes heard in the UK, though Davina is more usual..

Adds a modern spin to old-fashioned Mary.

A diminutive of the (male) name Dafydd, the Welsh form of David. In the US, it's strongly associated with the candy.

One of the most classic smoosh names around, and very international, too.

Davi as a girls' name might be considered a way to honor an ancestral David.

A pretty smoosh name predominantly used by Italian Catholics.

Variant of Annemarie

Russian, Ukrainian, and Bulgarian form of the classic Maria sure to cause a lifetime of spelling questions and pronunciation mistakes.

Derived from 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).

Thandi can be used independently or as a nickname for one of the Thand- starting names such as Thandeka or Thandiwe.

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

Variant of Marise

A less-popular alternative to Juliette, perhaps – although it feels rather more dated.

A pretty and little-known Spanish smoosh name, combining Maria with Celia.

Loving choice.

Variant of Marianne or Maryann

A pretty spin on Maria or Marissa.

A beautiful African name which can also lead to the always-wearable "Addy" nickname.