Names That Mean Beloved

In Slovenia, Maca is more common as an independent name than its parent name Marija.

Feminine form of Gottlieb

An uncommon variant of the classic name David that was brought to the fore by actor and rapper Daveed Diggs, one of the original stars of "Hamilton" on Broadway. He has said that his parents chose that spelling because his dad "liked the look of it."

Variant of Marisa

Obscure name from the New Testament.

An elaboration of Marisa, a combination of Maria and Louisa. The meaning of Maria 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).

Lowdy is a variation of Loveday, a name given to babies in medieval England who were born on days when adversaries would come together to resolve their conflicts amicably. Loveday continued to be used in Cornwall long after it died out in the rest of England and is considered a traditional Cornish name despite its Anglo-Saxon roots.

This variation of Annemarie ensures the name is pronounced with four syllables. Classic and sturdy but with a playful, spirited sound, Annamarie is popular in Czechia, where it is also written as Anna Marie.

A light and pretty name used in several Eastern European countries, which may be a form of Miriam or Mary.

An alternative name for Frigg, the Norse goddess of matrimonial love, and wife of Odin.

Variant of Miriam

Derived from 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).

Variant of Maribella

Rather dated smoosh name.

Once exclusively male name, Daryl Hannah made the Darrell spelling just as appropriate for girls -- and maybe even more feminine than masculine these days.

Modern Hebrew spelling (and pronunciation) of the biblical Jedidiah, another name of King Solomon.

Variant of Maria

An attractive and worldly name for a cherished baby son.

Popular in Hawaii in the first decades of the 20th century, this name also means "rock" in Māori.

Once a common girl name in Hawaii, today Leialoha is virtually unheard of.