288 Names That Mean Dear

Capture hearts with personalized endearing names.

Written by Kavita Kankani, MBA, BEd

Edited by Akshay Nair, MA

Fact-checked by N Pravenchandra Singh, MA

Last Updated on Nov 12, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

For a child who is the apple of everyone’s eye, baby names meaning dear can be a heartwarming and endearing choice. Almost every name carries with it a characteristic that people could attribute to the name holder. Even astrology and numerology believe in the power of a name in determining and creating the traits and characteristics of a person. So if you want your child to be cherished and loved by everyone, give them a name meaning ‘dear.’ No one can be dearer to parents than their children, and no amount of words can describe how much they love them. They love their children unconditionally and in an unparalleled manner, with limitless protection and support. They put their wants, needs, and desires on the back burner just for their children. They do their best to provide a strong moral foundation for their kids and impart all the necessary skills required to thrive and be independent. They hope and pray that their children live happily ever after with minimal worries. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless charm of Darla, meaning ‘darling’ or ‘dearly beloved,’ Darwin, meaning ‘dear friend,’ the lyrical beauty of Jarrick, meaning ‘fierce and dear one,’ or Kareena, meaning ‘dear little one,’ there’s a plethora of options to choose from. Names that mean ‘dear’ aren’t just words; they are gifts you bestow upon your child, carrying a sense of devotion and admiration with them. The name you choose will constantly remind you of the affectionate bond you share, a source of inspiration and encouragement as your child grows. So if you want to give a name meaning dear to the most precious being in your life, we have got it sorted. Below is our collection of unique baby boy and girl names meaning dear for your munchkin. Take a look!

Name	Gender	Meaning
Mia	Girl	Mine; Dear; Darling; Wished-for child; Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Rebelliousness
Mila	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Soldier; Miracles
Milan	Boy	Gracious; Dear; Middle of the plain
Milana	Girl	Favor; Gracious; Dear
Milena	Girl	Gracious; Dear
Darwin	Boy	Dear friend
Milah	Unisex	Dear; Gracious; Rival
Mylan	Unisex	Gracious; Pleasant; Dear
Darlene	Girl	Darling; Dear
Milania	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Middle of the plain; Dark; Black

Mileena	Unisex	Gracious; Dear
Karissa	Girl	Very dear; Grace; Kindness
Mylee	Unisex	Gracious; Dear; Soldier
Yahaira	Unisex	Precious; Dear
Miliana	Girl	Gracious; Dear
Levin	Boy	Dear friend; Beloved friend; Joined; Dear friend
Mylie	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Soldier
Milliana	Girl	Gracious; Dear
Lennyn	Unisex	Lover; Dear one
Darvin	Boy	Dear friend

Cari	Girl	A very dear one; Charity; Free man
Mela	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Who is like God; Religious service
Meila	Girl	Dear; Gracious
Philemon	Boy	Beloved; Dear most; Loved one; Kiss; Affectionate
Keeva	Girl	Gentle; Beloved; Dear
Maylie	Unisex	Gracious; Dear; Soldier; Wildflower
Liev	Boy	Heart; Lion; Dear God
Darling	Unisex	Beloved one; Dear
Shivin	Boy	Auspicious; Dear; Favorable
Mylene	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Beloved; Torch; Moon

Cherry	Girl	Cherry fruit; Darling; Dear
Mailey	Unisex	Gracious; Dear
Taavi	Boy	Beloved; Dear; Uncle
Millianna	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Middle of the field
Myleigh	Unisex	Gracious; Dear; Soldier
Kareena	Girl	Dear; Little one; Pure
Lewin	Boy	Beloved; Dear friend
Karah	Girl	Dear; Beloved; Friend
Pria	Girl	Dear; Beloved
Derwin	Boy	Dear friend

Laithan	Boy	A little dear lion; Lion cub
Caoimhe	Girl	Beautiful; Dear; Beloved; Gentle
Durwin	Boy	Dear friend
Azeez	Boy	Powerful; Respected; Beloved; Noble; Dear one
Chera	Girl	Dear; Expensive; Costly; Important; Noteworthy
Milica	Girl	A graceful lady; Dear
Milka	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Rival
Prabhdeep	Boy	A person who is dear to God
Dragan	Boy	A dear and beloved person; A precious person
Kiva	Girl	Supplanter; Holder of the heel; May God protect; Dear; Noble

Sherree	Girl	She who is very dear
Saajan	Unisex	Beloved; A loveable person; Dear friend; Good man; Lover; Sweetheart
Darwyn	Boy	Dear friend
Graciano	Boy	Beloved; Grace; Dear
Melyna	Girl	The one who is pleasant and appealing; Sweetheart; Dear
Eneko	Boy	My little/dear
Mili	Girl	To meet; To find; Who is for me; Miracle; Gracious; Dear
Jarrick	Boy	A fierce and dear one
Levian	Unisex	Lion-like; Brave; Dear friend
Lief	Boy	Dear; Friendly; A heir

Milen	Boy	Gracious; Favor; Grace; Dear
Priyana	Unisex	Beloved; Dear
Mileva	Girl	Gracious; Dear
Milea	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Soldier; Rival; Peaceful; Beloved
Chere	Girl	Dear; Expensive; Costly; Important; Noteworthy
Ambika	Girl	Dear mother; Name of Goddess Durga
Ghali	Boy	Precious; Dear; Valuable
Mayley	Unisex	Gracious; Dear
Karyna	Girl	Pure; Each of the two; Dear; Beloved; Friend; Darling; Loved one
Lewyn	Unisex	Dear friend

Lal	Boy	Boy; Playing; Caressing; Lovely; Beloved; Dear one; Red color; Pampered; Close to heart
Milas	Unisex	Dear; Gracious; Soldier
Milia	Girl	A rival person; Gracious; Dear
Cherlynn	Girl	Dear; Darling
Cherree	Girl	Dear; Darling
Sherelle	Girl	Beloved; Dear; Darling
Erish	Boy	To cherish; To hold dear; Beloved
Draegan	Unisex	Beloved; Dear; Precious
Drevan	Boy	Dear and beloved one
Alanya	Unisex	Dear child

Keefe	Boy	Beloved; Dear; Gentle; Descendant of Caomh
Leamon	Boy	Dear man
Mija	Girl	Sea of bitterness; Wished-for child; Rebelliousness; Beloved; My dear; My daughter
Mico	Unisex	Gracious; Dear
Azizah	Girl	Dear; Beloved; Esteemed; Precious; Cherished
Sher	Boy	Lion; Dear; Treasured
Carra	Girl	A dear, beloved lady; Friend; Darling
Piya	Unisex	Dear; Beloved; Amiable
Azza	Girl	A young female gazelle; Dear one
Tovin	Unisex	Dear; Beloved

Cherice	Girl	Dear; darling
Milada	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Young
Lowyn	Unisex	Dear friend
Sharalyn	Girl	A very dear woman
Shereena	Girl	Dear; Darling
Azah	Girl	Dear; Expensive
Cherelle	Girl	Dear; Expensive; Costly; Important; Noteworthy
Azeeza	Girl	Esteemed; Precious; Cherished; Strong; Powerful; Dear
Shera	Girl	Brightness; Dear or beloved; Singing
Sinem	Girl	My heart; My eyes; My dear; Darling

Baby names meaning dear span across various cultures and languages. And each name is a tribute to the tender love you hold for your child, a name that will resonate with significance every time you speak it. These names go beyond mere labels, embodying the deep affection and cherished bond you share with your child. Thus, names that mean ‘dear’ may also inspire your child to keep going forward and be honest, knowing they are loved no matter what.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the importance of choosing baby names meaning ‘dear?’

Baby names that mean ‘dear’ will help you express your undying love for your child. Apart from signifying a beloved person, they also convey various attributes such as one who is loving, lively, and friendly. For example, the name Aghla means ‘dearest to all,’ while the name Bahumulya carries the meaning of ‘One who is dearmost.’

2. What are some tips for selecting a meaningful baby name?

Do thorough research before picking a meaningful name. Do not get carried away by trendy baby names as the popularity of names can change over time. For example, avoid picking a name that rose to fame following a popular film, such as Katniss or Elsa. Refer to historic texts to find names whose meanings resonate with you. Also, contemplate nicknames by choosing a given name and don't forget to reflect on your family names. You will certainly want to consider one that fits with the naming scheme of your family.

3. What kind of sentimental value can be associated with baby names meaning ‘dear’?

Baby names that mean ‘dear’ or ‘beloved’ give rise to feelings of affection, hope, endearment, and love. Such names indirectly imply that you hold your child very close to your heart. So naturally, they nurture an emotional connection or bond with you. The names, by their very symbolism, convey the message that you consider the child to be of great value and significance. Examples include names such as Amicia that implies ‘who is dearly and passionately loved by the closed ones’ and Atmiya, meaning ‘one who is close to heart.’

4. How does understanding the meaning of a baby's name help create a deeper connection between me and my baby?

The name of a child may profoundly impacts them throughout life. It could influences the way a person thinks about themselves. So, choosing a name with a beautiful meaning may symbolize your feelings, priorities, and the quality you want your child to embody. When your child understands what their name means and why you have chosen it, they may feel more connected to you.

Infographic: Cherished Baby Names That Mean Dear

Baby names that mean dear or beloved evoke fondness, optimism, tenderness, and affection. These names subtly signify that you cherish your child deeply, creating a profound emotional tie. These names will help your child perceive themselves as loved, regardless of their flaws. Comb through this infographic for some baby names that mean dear, which will forever remind your child of your unconditional affection for them.

doting baby names that mean dear (infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.

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Author Editor Fact Checker

Kavita KankaniMBA, BEd

Kavita has a diverse background in finance, human resources, and teaching. She did her MBA in Finance and HR at Solapur University, and bachelor in Education at Pune University. After working for three years in the banking industry, Kavita took up teaching before moving to writing.

Read full bio of Kavita Kankani

Akshay NairMA

Akshay is an associate editor and former journalist with more than four years of experience. A post graduate in Mass Communication and Journalism, he has strong professional and academic background in the field of content writing and editing.

Read full bio of Akshay Nair

N Pravenchandra SinghMA

Praven is an English literature expert. He did his bachelors in English from Delhi University and masters in English from Manipur University. Besides, he holds a certificate in multimedia design and content creation from NIELIT Imphal and presented papers at various national and international conferences.

Read full bio of N Pravenchandra Singh