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).

Dariel is one of many similar forms and variations of different names—Dara, Dariela, Daria and Darya—that are all unusual and pretty if not quite authentic-feeling.

Variant of Mariella

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

Whether you pronounce it like the original Amy or the Frenchified Ay-may, this form adds considerable elan to an old favorite.

Dariela may have a not-quite-authentic provenance, but it's a pretty name and an unusual choice in the girly Isabella-Gabriella group.

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

A captivating and sprightly name brought into the limelight by actress Thandiwe Newton.

Carita may feel like an endearing nickname but it's a name in its own right, used throughout Scandinavia in this form and as Karita, Caritas, and Karitas as a variation on Charity.

An intriguing variation of classic Mary that could act as a more inherently feminine alternative to the rising unisex Micah.

Variant of Maribel

Variant of Marianne

Common transcription of Maria throughout Europe.

Variant of Marybeth

Name that's virtually unknown here but has a lovely meaning and a simple sound and spelling.

A gentle old-fashioned compound name that has never been epidemically popular, but is now almost unused.

A loveday in medieval England was a day when people engaged in a dispute would come together and try to resolve their differences amicably. The name was sometimes given to babies, male or female, who were born on such a day. The etymology of Loveday is English, yet historical use was mainly relegated to Cornwall, and it is considered a traditional Cornish name. Loveday is rarely used today, however, when it is, it is usually used for baby girls.

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).

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).