February 14 is arguably the most romantic day of the year. If you have always adored this sweet holiday—or if your little one is due in mid-February—you might be searching for a name that captures the essence of love, affection, and sweetness. Valentine’s Day baby names range from historic picks like Romeo and Eros to symbolic choices such as Ruby and Dove. You can also consider names that directly mean “love” or “beloved,” like Annabel, Amy, or Priya. Whether you want an obvious nod to the holiday or a more subtle association, these monikers all evoke warmth and tenderness. They might even guarantee your child a lifetime of chocolate kisses!
Why Choose a Valentine’s Day Baby Name?
Picking a name inspired by Valentine’s Day is a beautiful way to celebrate the season of love. Many parents want a name that feels romantic yet timeless, or perhaps one that connects to the birth month. According to the Social Security Administration, names like Rose and Ruby have seen steady popularity for over a century, while unique picks like Honey and Hart offer a distinctive twist. The beauty of valentines day baby names is their versatility: you can choose a floral gem, a precious stone, a sweet treat, or a word that simply feels warm. These names often carry positive associations and can be a daily reminder of the love you felt when naming your child.
Here are nine charming names that symbolize all that Valentine’s Day represents—love, sweetness, and affection. Each entry includes the origin, meaning, alternative spellings, famous namesakes, and popularity data to help you decide.
Candy
Origin: English
Meaning: Sweet, pure, sincere
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Candee, Candie (often short for Candace or Candice)
Famous Namesakes: Candace June “Candy” Clark (American actress known for American Graffiti), Candy Reynolds (professional tennis player), and the male character Candy in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men.
Peak Popularity: Candy reached its highest rank in 1969, when it was the 239th most popular name for girls in the United States. While it has since declined, it still carries a retro, cheerful vibe that feels nostalgic.
Candy is an obvious sweet treat reference, but it also conveys purity and sincerity. If you love vintage names with a playful edge, this could be a perfect pick. It works as a standalone name or as a nickname for Candace.
Dove
Origin: English
Meaning: Peace, love, softness
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Other bird-inspired names include Lark, Wren, and Birdie.
Famous Namesakes: Dove Garrett (American ballerina) and Dovewing (a character in the Warriors series by Erin Hunter).
Peak Popularity: Dove has never been a common name in modern times, but it ranked 639 in 1880. Today, it is a rare and poetic choice that symbolizes peace—a lovely sentiment for a Valentine’s baby.
The dove is an international symbol of love and harmony. Choosing this name for your child evokes gentleness and a calm spirit. It is unisex and pairs beautifully with a middle name like Rose or James.
Dulce
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Sweet
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Dulcie
Famous Namesakes: Dulce María Loynaz (Cuban poet and winner of the Cervantes Prize), Dulce María Rodríguez (Mexican distance runner), and Dulce María Muñiz (Mexican politician).
Peak Popularity: Dulce reached its highest rank in the U.S. in 2007, when it was number 265. It remains a popular choice in Hispanic communities and carries a melodic, romantic sound.
Dulce literally means “sweet” in Spanish and Latin. It is a direct and beautiful way to express the sweetness of your newborn. The variation Dulcie adds a vintage touch, while Dulce feels modern and elegant.
Hart
Origin: English
Meaning: Stag (male deer), also a homophone for “heart”
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Heart, Hartley
Famous Namesakes: Hart Denton (American actor known for Riverdale), and Hart Jones (a character in the From the Files of Madison Finn book series).
Peak Popularity: Hart has not appeared in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. for the last 100 years. In 1888, it was ranked 971. Today, it is an uncommon but strong, one-syllable name that subtly nods to Valentine’s Day through its sound.
Hart is a clever choice because it sounds exactly like “heart,” the ultimate symbol of love. It is also a nature name referring to a male deer, giving it a rugged, outdoorsy feel. Perfect for parents who want a unique name with a hidden romantic meaning.
Honey
Origin: English
Meaning: Term of endearment, sweet
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Other related names include Blossom, Clover, and Petal.
Famous Namesakes: Honey Hollman (daughter of actor Jack Nicholson) and Honeymaren (a character in Disney’s Frozen II).
Peak Popularity: In 2017, only 40 girls in the U.S. were named Honey, making it a rare gem. However, it is much more popular in the United Kingdom, where it ranks in the top 500. Its warm, affectionate sound makes it a darling choice.
Honey is a classic term of endearment that feels both sweet and sophisticated. It works as a given name or a nickname for Honora. If you want a name that sounds like a hug, Honey is a wonderful option.
Rose
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Flower (the rose is a symbol of love)
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Rosa, Rosetta, Roseanne, Rosanna, Rosemary, Rosamund, Rosalind, Rosalie, Rosina
Famous Namesakes: Rose Arianna McGowan (actress), Rose Veronica Coyle (Miss America 1936), Rose Tico (character in Star Wars: The Last Jedi), Rose MacClare (character in Downton Abbey), and Briar Rose (alias of Aurora in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty).
Peak Popularity: Rose was a top-20 name from 1896 to 1921. In 2024, it ranked 115 in the U.S., showing a steady resurgence. It is a timeless floral name that never feels outdated.
Rose is perhaps the most classic Valentine’s Day name. It is simple, elegant, and universally recognized as a symbol of love. Whether used as a first name or a middle name, Rose adds a touch of romance to any combination.
You may also enjoy reading: 7 Clever Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gifts.
Ruby
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Precious stone (the red gemstone symbolizes passion)
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Rubie
Famous Namesakes: Ruby Ferguson (English children’s author), Ruby Claire (main character in the 1977 film Ruby), and Ruby Sweetheart Maguire (daughter of actor Tobey Maguire).
Peak Popularity: Ruby was the 22nd most popular name in 1911. It has seen a strong revival, ranking 65 in 2023 and 63 in 2024. Its vibrant, gemstone feel makes it a favorite among modern parents.
Ruby is a bold, fiery name that directly references the deep red color associated with love and passion. It is also a birthstone for July, but its Valentine’s Day connection is undeniable. The name feels both vintage and contemporary.
Scarlett
Origin: English
Meaning: Red (the color of passion)
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Scarlet (without the double t)
Famous Namesakes: Scarlett Johansson (actress), Scarlett O’Hara (character in Gone with the Wind), and Scarlett (a character in Pokémon).
Peak Popularity: Scarlett reached its highest rank in 2022 at number 14, and it currently sits at 27. It has been a top choice for over a decade, thanks to its strong, romantic sound.
Scarlett is a dramatic and passionate name that evokes the color of roses and hearts. It is a perfect fit for a Valentine’s Day baby, especially if you love names with literary and cinematic history. The name has a modern edge while staying classic.
Teddy
Origin: Greek (short for Theodore or Theodora)
Meaning: Gift of God
Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ted, Teddie, Theodora, Theodore
Famous Namesakes: Teddy Roosevelt (U.S. president), Teddy Geiger (musician), and Teddy (the beloved bear).
Peak Popularity: Teddy peaked as a given name in 1933 at rank 239. It has since become more common as a nickname, but it is gaining traction as a standalone name. Its cuddly, affectionate feel makes it ideal for a Valentine’s baby.
Teddy is the name of the iconic teddy bear, a classic Valentine’s Day gift. It also means “gift of God,” adding a deeper layer of meaning. Whether used for a boy or a girl, Teddy is sweet, friendly, and full of warmth.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect Valentine’s Day Baby Name
Choosing a name from this list can be exciting, but you may want to consider a few practical factors. First, say the name out loud with your last name to ensure it flows well. Second, think about potential nicknames—some names like Honey or Teddy are already nicknames, which might limit options. Third, check the popularity if you prefer a rare name; for example, Hart and Dove are far less common than Rose or Ruby. Finally, consider the cultural or family significance. A name like Dulce might honor Hispanic heritage, while Scarlett could pay tribute to a favorite novel.
Remember, the best name is one that feels right to you and your partner. Valentine’s Day baby names offer a wide range of styles, from the sweet and simple (Candy) to the elegant (Rose) and the bold (Scarlett). Whichever you choose, it will carry the love and joy of the holiday into your child’s life.
Whether you decide on a name that directly references the holiday or one that subtly hints at romance, these nine options are sure to melt hearts. Your little one will carry a piece of Valentine’s Day with them forever—a beautiful reminder of the love that brought them into the world.
