200+ Greek Names That Mean Love

Feature Snippet:

If you want a name connected with love, Greek offers several meaningful choices. However, not every Greek name associated with romance actually means “love.” Some come directly from Greek words for love, while others connect to being beloved, loving friendship, affection, or Greek mythology. The clearest examples include Agape, derived from Ancient Greek ἀγάπη (agapē), meaning “love,” and Eros, from Ancient Greek ἔρως (erōs), also meaning “love.” Greek also gives us Agapi, the modern Greek form of Agape, and Agapios, the masculine form.

Because meanings can easily become oversimplified online, this guide separates directly documented meanings from broader love related associations.

Table of Contents

Greek Names That Directly Mean Love

Only a small number of established Greek personal names have a documented meaning that directly translates to “love.” Two of the clearest examples are Agape and Eros.

Agape comes directly from Ancient Greek ἀγάπη (agapē), meaning “love.” Behind the Name records it as a feminine Ancient Greek name and notes that it was borne by at least two early saints.

Agapi is the modern Greek form of Agape, so it provides a more contemporary Greek form while retaining the same underlying meaning.

Eros comes from Ancient Greek ἔρως (erōs), meaning “love.”

Female Greek Names That Mean Love

Agape

Agape is perhaps the clearest Greek girl name for this theme because its etymology is unusually direct: the name comes from Greek ἀγάπη (agapē), meaning “love.”

The name also has historical Christian associations because at least two early saints carried the name. Therefore, Agape combines a literal love meaning with a long historical tradition.

Agapi

Agapi is the modern Greek form of Agape. Consequently, it can feel more distinctly connected with modern Greek usage while preserving the same underlying love meaning.

What About Aphrodite?

Aphrodite is strongly associated with love because she is the Greek goddess of love and beauty. However, that does not mean the name itself literally translates to “love.”

That distinction matters. If your priority is an exact documented meaning of “love,” Agape and Agapi are better fits. If you want a name associated with romantic love and Greek mythology, Aphrodite becomes a natural option.

Male Greek Names That Mean Love

Greek also offers masculine names connected directly or closely with love.

Eros

Eros is the clearest masculine choice. The name comes from Ancient Greek ἔρως (erōs), meaning “love.” In Greek mythology, Eros is a god of love and the son of Aphrodite in the tradition reflected by Behind the Name.

Because Eros functions both as a Greek word for love and as a mythological name, it has an especially strong connection to the theme.

Agapios

Agapios is the masculine form of Agape. The name belongs to both Ancient Greek and Greek usage, and it connects directly to the same agapē root.

Agapetos

Agapetos is an Ancient Greek name associated with the meaning “beloved.” Behind the Name identifies it as the Ancient Greek form of Agapito and categorizes it under both “beloved” and “love.”

Greek Names Meaning Beloved

Sometimes the idea you want is not simply “love,” but “beloved,” “cherished,” or “lovely.” Greek has names that express these related ideas.

Agapetos

Agapetos is one of the strongest examples.

Erastus

Erastus is the Latinized form of the Greek Erastos, and Behind the Name gives its meaning as “beloved, lovely.”

The Ancient Greek form Erastos appears in both Biblical Greek and Ancient Greek usage.

Greek Mythology Names Connected to Love

Greek mythology offers many names associated with romantic love, beauty, attraction, and relationships. However, association is not the same as literal etymology.

Eros

It is the strongest example because both the word and the name mean “love.” Eros is a young god associated with causing people to fall in love.

Aphrodite

Aphrodite is one of the most recognizable Greek mythological figures associated with love and beauty. She works best when you want a mythological symbol of romantic love rather than a literal translation.

Anteros

Anteros offers another fascinating connection. Behind the Name gives the meaning “love returned” and explains the name through Greek ἀντί (anti) and ἔρως (eros), with Anteros serving as the Greek god of requited love and the brother of Eros.

Important: If you are choosing a name specifically because of its dictionary meaning, prioritize names such as Agape, Agapi, Eros, Agapetos, or Erastos rather than treating every romantic mythological name as a literal synonym for love.

Greek Love Words Behind the Names

Understanding the original Greek words makes these names easier to evaluate accurately.

Agape — ἀγάπη

Ancient Greek ἀγάπη (agapē) means “love.” It forms the direct basis of Agape and the related Greek forms Agapi and Agapios.

Eros — ἔρως

Ancient Greek ἔρως (erōs) means “love.” It gives us the name Eros and appears in the mythological name Anteros.

Philos — φίλος

Greek φίλος (philos) can carry meanings such as “friend” and “lover.” It appears in many Greek names and compounds, although a name containing philos does not automatically mean romantic love.

This distinction is important because names built with philos can express friendship, affection, fondness, or love depending on the complete name.

Greek Names With Love Related Meanings

If you are open to meanings beyond the exact word “love,” your choices become broader.

This table separates literal meanings from mythological associations, which helps prevent a common naming mistake: treating every name connected to a love deity as though its linguistic meaning were “love.”

Rare Greek Names Connected to Love

If you want something less familiar, several historically rooted choices stand out.

Agape

Agape has an ancient, distinctive quality and an exceptionally clear meaning. It is particularly suitable if you want the concept of love itself to define the name.

Agapetos

Agapetos has a distinctly classical character and means “beloved.” It may appeal to parents who prefer an unusual historical Greek name over a modern sounding option.

Anteros

Anteros stands out because its meaning goes beyond generic love: it refers to love returned or requited love. Its mythology gives the name an especially romantic symbolism.

Best Greek Names That Mean Love

If you want to narrow the list down, start with the exact meaning you want.

Best Overall: Agape

Agape is the strongest choice if you want a name that literally means “love.” Its Ancient Greek origin is clearly documented.

Best Modern Greek Choice: Agapi

Agapi is the modern Greek form of Agape, making it a natural choice when modern Greek usage matters to you.

Best Masculine Choice: Eros

Eros offers the clearest masculine option because the name itself comes from the Greek word meaning “love.”

Best Mythological Choice: Anteros

Anteros is especially distinctive because it represents love returned, giving it a more specific romantic symbolism.

How to Choose a Greek Name That Means Love

A beautiful meaning is only one part of choosing a name. Consider how the name works in everyday life as well.

Decide What Kind of Love You Mean

The answer can dramatically change which name fits best.

For example, Agape directly represents love, while Anteros specifically represents returned love.

Consider Gender

Some choices have established gender associations. Agape and Agapi are feminine, while Eros and Agapios are masculine in the documented name sources.

Think About Pronunciation

Ancient Greek pronunciation and modern English pronunciation can differ. If you plan to use a Greek name internationally, consider whether people in your community will pronounce and spell it comfortably.

Consider the Cultural Context

A name can carry historical, religious, mythological, and linguistic associations beyond its dictionary meaning. Researching those layers can help you choose a name that feels appropriate rather than relying on a simplified translation.

Choose Meaning Over Trend

If your main goal is symbolism, prioritize a documented meaning over claims that a name is “popular,” “rare,” or “trending.” Popularity can vary considerably by country and period, while the historical meaning provides a more stable basis for your decision.

Quick Comparison of Greek Love Names

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Names That Mean Love

What Greek name literally means love?

Agape and Eros are two of the clearest Greek names with the literal meaning “love.” Agape comes from ἀγάπη, while Eros comes from ἔρως.

What Greek girl name means love?

Agape is a feminine Ancient Greek name derived from ἀγάπη, meaning “love.” Agapi is its modern Greek form.

What Greek boy name means love?

Eros is a masculine name derived from the Ancient Greek word ἔρως, meaning “love.” Agapios is another masculine Greek name related to Agape.

Is Agape a Greek name?

Yes. Agape is an Ancient Greek feminine name derived from ἀγάπη (agapē), meaning “love.”

Is Agapi a Greek name?

Yes. Agapi is the modern Greek form of the Ancient Greek name Agape.

Does Aphrodite mean love?

Aphrodite is strongly associated with love in Greek mythology, but you should not automatically describe the name itself as literally meaning “love.” If you want a name with a documented literal meaning of “love,” Agape or Eros is a more precise choice.

What Greek name means love returned?

Anteros is the strongest choice. Behind the Name gives its meaning as “love returned” and identifies Anteros as the Greek god of requited love.

What is the best Greek name meaning love?

If you want a feminine name, Agape is the clearest literal choice. For a masculine name, Eros provides the most direct match. If you prefer the meaning “beloved,” consider Agapetos or Erastos.

Key Takeaways

• Agape is an Ancient Greek feminine name meaning “love.”
• Agapi is the modern Greek form of Agape.
• Eros is a masculine Greek name meaning “love.”
• Agapios is the masculine form related to Agape.
• Agapetos means “beloved.”
• Erastos means “beloved, lovely.”
• Anteros represents “love returned” in Greek mythology.
• Greek names containing philos can relate to friendship, affection, or being a lover, but their complete meanings depend on the full name.
• For the most accurate name choice, distinguish a literal meaning from a mythological or symbolic association.

Conclusion

Greek offers several beautiful names connected with love, but the strongest choices depend on exactly what you want the name to express. Agape and Agapi directly connect to the Greek word for love, while Eros provides a masculine choice with an equally direct meaning.

If you want a name that means beloved, Agapetos and Erastos provide more specific alternatives. Meanwhile, Anteros offers a particularly romantic idea through its meaning of love returned.

Ultimately, the best Greek love name is the one whose literal meaning, cultural background, sound, and personal symbolism all fit what you want the name to represent.