Love is one of the most universal themes in Indian baby names — appearing across Sanskrit, Punjabi, Arabic, and Urdu traditions. From preeti (Sanskrit affection) to preet (Punjabi love) to hubb (Arabic love), every Indian language has its own poetry of devotion. Here are some of the most beautiful Indian baby names — for boys and girls — meaning love, devotion, or beloved.
Girl Names Meaning Love
Neha — Love, rain, affection
Sanskrit-Hindi for love and rain— the same word, because love is said to fall like gentle rain. “NAY-ha” is one of the most popular and recognisable Indian girl names worldwide. Soft, two syllables, and immediately at home in English-speaking countries.
Preethi — Love, affection, delight
Sanskrit and Tamil for lovein its purest form — the warm, joyful affection between parents and child, or between lovers. “PREE-tee” is especially popular in South India and travels well as “Preeti” in the North.
Maryam — Beloved
The Arabic form of Mary — meaning beloved. “MAR-yam” is held in the highest reverence in both Islamic and Christian traditions and is among the most widely used Muslim girl names in India.
Harleen — Absorbed in God's love
A Punjabi Sikh name combining Har (God) and leen(absorbed). “har-LEEN” means one who is completely absorbed in divine love. A modern Sikh classic, deeply spiritual yet easy to say.
Boy Names Meaning Love
Anurag — Deep devotion, attachment, love
Sanskrit for the kind of love that runs deep — devotion, attachment, and unwavering affection. “an-oo-RAHG” is a thoughtful, classical name carrying gravitas. Popular across India and used widely by Indian diaspora families.
Pranay — Love, deep affection
Sanskrit for love in the romantic, heartfelt sense — also meaning a heartfelt request and even breath of life. “pruh-NAY” is a soft yet masculine name with depth and warmth.
Sikh and Punjabi Names Meaning Love (Unisex)
Gurpreet — Love of the Guru
A Sikh classic combining Gur (Guru) and preet(love). “gur-PREET” means beloved of the teacher — a name that places spiritual devotion at the centre. Used for both boys and girls.
Manpreet — Love of the mind and heart
Punjabi for love from the depths of the soul — Man (mind/heart) plus preet(love). “man-PREET” is a beautiful unisex name with quiet strength. Particularly popular in Sikh families.
Jaspreet — Love of God's glory
Jas (praise, glory) plus preet (love). “jas-PREET” means one who loves divine praise. Common across both Punjabi Sikh and Hindu families.
Arabic and Urdu Names Meaning Love or Beloved
Fatima — One who abstains; captivating
The most revered name in Islam, after the Prophet's daughter Fatima al-Zahra. “FAH-ti-ma” carries connotations of being so captivating that one is set apart from worldly distractions. A name of deep love and reverence.
Aisha — Living, prosperous, full of life
Arabic for full of life. “AYE-sha” was the name of the Prophet Muhammad's beloved wife and carries warmth and vitality. Among the most popular Muslim girl names globally.
Layla — Night, dark beauty (also: the beloved)
Arabic for night, but immortalised by the legendary love story of Layla and Majnun — making it synonymous with the beloved. “LAY-la” is widely recognised in the West and carries centuries of poetic romance.
How to Choose a Name Meaning Love
Names meaning love work especially well when they pair with the family's tradition — Sanskrit roots like Pranay and Anurag for Hindu families, Punjabi -preet names for Sikh families, and Arabic names like Maryam or Aisha for Muslim families. All of the names above are easy to pronounce in English-speaking countries, which makes them excellent choices for Indian diaspora families in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Looking for more inspiration? Browse our full collection of Indian baby names or explore all names meaning love in our database.