10 baby girl names that mean ‘love’ or ‘beloved’

Choosing a name that means “love” or “beloved”

In many Hindu families a name is more than an identity: it is an aspiration, a blessing, and often a tie to scripture, poetry or family tradition. Names that signify prema — love or devotional attachment — resonate with classical Sanskrit vocabulary and with later bhakti (devotional) sensibilities. Below are ten feminine names commonly used across Indian languages that carry the core sense of love, affection or beloved. For each I give a short gloss, pronunciation, a note on linguistic roots, and a cultural or scriptural context where relevant. Meanings can vary by region and usage, and different schools of thought may emphasize devotional, maternal or romantic senses of “love.”

• Priya (PREE-ya)

  Gloss: “beloved,” “dear,” “pleasing.” From Sanskrit priya, meaning dear or beloved. Widely used as both adjective and personal name in classical texts (Mahābhārata, Rāmāyaṇa) and modern India. As a name it is simple, pan‑Indian and carries a general sense of being cherished or cherished one. Variants: Priyā (with long final ā).

• Priyanka (pree-YAHN-ka)

  Gloss: derived from priya, often understood as “little beloved” or “one who is dear.” The form appears in modern use as an affectionate elaboration of Priya and is also associated in some literary contexts with a fragrant flower or fragrant quality. Common across many languages; widely familiar as a contemporary name.

• Prema (PRAY-ma / PRAY-muh)

  Gloss: “love,” especially devotional or spiritual love. From Sanskrit prema, a central term in bhakti literature (e.g., Purāṇas and later devotional poets) where it denotes longing, attachment and total devotion to the divine. Used as a personal name to invoke the ideal of selfless, sacred love. Variant/related form: Preeti/Prīti (emotional affection, warmth).

• Preeti / Priti (PREE-tee / PREE-ti)

  Gloss: “affection,” “liking,” “love.” From Sanskrit prīti, commonly used in classical and modern Indian languages to denote friendly or romantic affection. Preeti is often chosen to express warmth, amiability and a loving disposition.

• Sneha (SNEH‑ha)

  Gloss: “affection,” “tender love,” “fondness.” From Sanskrit sneha, which carries both the sense of oil (a traditional meaning in older texts) and the dominant modern meaning of affectionate attachment. Sneha is widely used in poetry and contemporary names to signal tenderness and emotional bond.

• Rati (RAH-tee)

  Gloss: “delight,” “pleasure,” often specifically erotic or amorous love. Rati is the consort of Kāma, the god of love, and appears in Purāṇic and Kāvyic contexts as a goddess of passion and delight. As a name, it can connote joy, charm and the life-affirming side of love; some families may prefer to emphasise its poetic rather than strictly erotic connotations.

• Radha (RAH-dha)

  Gloss: popularly “beloved” — most celebrated as the beloved of Kṛṣṇa in Vaiṣṇava bhakti poetry. Radha’s figure in medieval and later devotional literature (for example, Jayadeva’s Gītagovinda and Braj poetry) makes the name richly evocative of divine love (bhakti) and self‑surrender. Different traditions interpret Radha variously as the supreme devotee, a cosmic principle, or an exemplar of romantic devotion.

• Anuragini (uh‑noo‑RAH‑guh‑nee)

  Gloss: feminine form of anurāga — “deep attachment,” “affection,” or “loving devotion.” Where prema may emphasize loving energy, anurāga stresses attachment or sustained affection, often used in poetic and devotional registers. Anuragini as a name suggests one who is loving, devoted, or emotionally engaged.

• Priyadarshini (pree-ya-dar-SHI-nee)

  Gloss: “she who is looked upon with affection” / “one who gives delight to the eyes.” From priya (beloved) + darśinī (beholder, that which is looked at). The compound is polite, slightly formal and classical in tone; used to indicate a woman who is charming, beloved and pleasant to behold.

• Māmata / Mamata (MAH-mah‑ta)

  Gloss: “maternal affection,” “tender love.” From Sanskrit māmata, signifying motherly attachment or protective love. The name carries a warm, family-oriented connotation and is often chosen to invoke care, compassion and nurture.

• Premlata / Premlata (PRAYM‑la‑ta)

  Gloss: “vine/creeper of love” — from prema (love) + lata (creeper, vine). Poetic images of a flowering creeper are common in Sanskrit and regional poetry; this compound name evokes graceful, growing love and is fairly common in modern usage.

How to choose and cultural notes

Many Hindu parents consult family tradition, a child’s nakshatra (lunar mansion) or a local priest for a naming ceremony (nāmakaraṇa). Others choose names for sound, ease of pronunciation across languages, or literary resonance. Names like Priya, Prema and Sneha work across regions and carry straightforward meanings; devotional names such as Radha bring specific bhakti associations (in Vaiṣṇava literature Radha is a living symbol of divine love). Some names (for example, Rati) have sensual overtones in classical sources; families may emphasise poetic or devotional readings instead.

Finally, spellings and pronunciations vary by region and script. If you wish to retain a precise Sanskrit form (for example, Priyā with a long ā), discuss it with family and with any officiant involved in naming rituals. Above all, a name that evokes love — whether maternal, romantic, friendly or devotional — often intends to shape the child’s life by setting a loving, ethical ideal from the start.