Top 73 Baby Names That Mean Compassion and Kindness

Choosing a name for your baby is a deeply meaningful decision, and one that will travel with your little one throughout their lives. All around the world, many parents are drawn to names that mean compassion, kindness, and empathy. And it’s no wonder, given that compassion is a cherished virtue, symbolizing warmth, understanding, and love. 

Names that mean compassion carry a powerful message, inspiring little ones to grow into caring and thoughtful members of the community, and the world. From ancient traditions to modern influences, these names resonate with families who want to instill positive values in their children. 

So let’s explore 42 boy names and 31 names for girls that symbolize compassion and help you to find the perfect choice for your kind-hearted little one. 

The top 42 baby boy names that mean ‘compassion’

1. Raghav  

  • Meaning: Compassionate one, lord of compassion
  • Origin: Sanskrit  

Raghav is a Sanskrit name for boys that means ‘compassionate one’ or ‘Lord of compassion’. It’s pronounced ‘RAH-GUVE’.

2. Rahim  

  • Meaning: Merciful, compassionate
  • Origin: Arabic

Rahim – pronounced ‘RAH-HEEM’ – is an Arabic name for boys that means ‘compassionate’ and ‘merciful’. 

3. Ansel  

  • Meaning: God’s protection, compassionate protector
  • Origin: German

Ansel is a German name for boys that means ‘God’s protection’ or compassionate protector’ – wonderful meanings to pass on to a baby boy.

4. Karim  

  • Meaning: Generous, compassionate
  • Origin: Arabic

Karim is another Arabic name on this list that means ‘compassionate’ or ‘generous’. It’s pronounced ‘KAH-REEM’. 

Read More: 80 Beautiful Baby Names Meaning ‘Blessing from God’ and Their Origins

5. Ehsan  

  • Meaning: Compassion, kindness
  • Origin: Persian/Arabic  

Ehsan is an unusual name for boys in the US. It has both Persian and Arabic roots and means ‘compassion’ and ‘kindness’ and is pronounced ‘EH-SARN’. 

a peacefully sleeping newborn

6. Clemens  

  • Meaning: Gentle, merciful
  • Origin: Latin

Clemens is a very traditional name for boys. It has Latin origins and means ‘gentle’ and ‘merciful’.

7. Jin  

  • Meaning: Tenderness, compassion
  • Origin: Chinese 

Jin is a short and sweet name for boys with Chinese origins. It means ‘tenderness’ and ‘compassion’. 

8. Manan  

  • Meaning: Reflective, compassionate
  • Origin: Sanskrit 

Manan is a Sanskrit boy’s name that means ‘reflective’ and ‘compassionate’. 

9. Rami  

  • Meaning: Compassionate archer, loving
  • Origin: Arabic

The name Rami is increasingly popular thanks to the the Hollywood actor Rami Malek! It’s a super cool name for boys that has Arabic origins. It means ‘compassionate archer’. 

Read Next: 50 Unique Baby Names That Mean Warmth for Boys and Girls

10. Ellis  

  • Meaning: Benevolent, compassionate of God
  • Origin: Hebrew  

Ellis is a Hebrew name for boys that means ‘benevolent’ and ‘compassionate of God’, making it a great choice for religious families looking for a boy name that means compassion. 

a portrait of a serious young boy

11. Chanak  

  • Meaning: Full of compassion and kindness
  • Origin: Sanskrit  

Chanak is a Sanskrit name that means ‘full of compassion and kindness’. 

12. Daya  

  • Meaning: Kindness, compassion
  • Origin: Hindi  

Daya – pronounced DIE-UH – is a Hindi name for boys that means ‘compassion’ and ‘kindness’. 

13. Milos  

  • Meaning: Gracious, compassionate
  • Origin: Slavic  

Milos is a Slavic name for little boys. It means ‘gracious’ and ‘compassionate’ and is pronounced ‘ME-LOSS’.

14. Pitambar  

  • Meaning: Compassionate
  • Origin: Sanskrit  

Pitambar is a very uncommon name in the US. It has Sanskrit origins and means ‘compassionate’ – perfect for a kind little soul!

Read Next: Baby Names That Mean Soul: Discovering Deeply Meaningful Names for Your Child

15. Quillon  

  • Meaning: Strong yet compassionate, one who shows mercy
  • Origin: Latin 

Pronounced ‘KWIL-UN’, this Latin name means ‘strong yet compassionate’ and ‘one who shows mercy’. It’s an incredibly unusual name in the US!

Young boy depicted as an angel in the field of lavender

16. Zahir  

  • Meaning: Supporter, helper, compassionate
  • Origin: Arabic 

Zahir is an Arabic name for boys that means ‘supporter’ and ‘compassionate’.

17. Avniel 

  • Meaning: God is compassionate
  • Origin: Hebrew  

Avniel is a highly unusual name for boys with Hebrew roots. It means ‘God is compassionate’, making it a great choice for religious families.

18. Noah  

  • Meaning: Comfort, rest, compassionate
  • Origin: Hebrew 

Noah is a popular boy’s name in the US that means ‘comfort’ and ‘compassionate’. It has Hebrew roots.

19. Ravi  

  • Meaning: Sun, symbolizing warmth and compassion
  • Origin: Sanskrit  

Ravi is a Sanskrit name for boys that means ‘sun’, symbolizing warmth and kindness. It’s a super cool-sounding name for boys. 

a boy with a dog lying on grass

20. Hamid  

  • Meaning: Praiseworthy, compassionate
  • Origin: Arabic  

Hamid is an Arabic name that means ‘praiseworthy’ and ‘compassionate’.

21. Arif  

  • Meaning: Knowledgeable, compassionate
  • Origin: Arabic  

Meaning ‘knowledgable’ and ‘compassionate’, Arif is an Arabic name for boys that’s pronounced ‘AR-EEF’.

22. Vatsal  

  • Meaning: Affectionate, compassionate
  • Origin:  Sanskrit 

Vatsal is a Sanskrit name that means both ‘compassionate’ and ‘affectionate’. 

23. Amal  

  • Meaning: Hope, compassionate one
  • Origin: Arabic  

Amal means both ‘hope’ and ‘compassionate one’. It’s another Arabic boy’s name on this list of baby names that mean ‘compassionate’. 

24. René  

  • Meaning: Reborn, symbolizing empathy and compassion
  • Origin:  French/Latin  

René is a sophisticated boy’s name with both French and Latin roots. It means ‘reborn’.

a laughing boy riding a bike

25. Chesed  

  • Meaning: Kindness, compassion, mercy
  • Origin: Hebrew  

Pronounced ‘HES-ED’, this Hebrew name for boys means ‘kindness’ and compassion’. 

26. Jivan  

  • Meaning: Life, compassionate being
  • Origin: Sanskrit  

Jivan means ‘compassionate being’ and has Sanskrit origins.

Read Next: Heavenly Choices: Unveiling the 100 Most Divine Angelic Names for Your Baby

27. Shafeeq  

  • Meaning: Kind, compassionate
  • Origin: Arabic  

Shafeeq is an Arabic boy’s name that means ‘kind’ and ‘compassionate’. 

28. Ashir  

  • Meaning: Blessed, compassionate
  • Origin: Hebrew  

Ashir is a Hebrew name and means ‘blessed’.

29. Haroun  

  • Meaning: Enlightened, compassionate
  • Origin: Arabic  

Haroun means both ‘enlightened’ and ‘compassionate’. It’s a name with Arabic roots.

30. Sanford  

  • Meaning: Peaceful crossing, compassionate guide
  • Origin: English 

Sanford is a unique English name that means ‘compassionate guide’ and ‘peaceful crossing’. 

31. Nader  

  • Meaning: Rare, precious, compassionate
  • Origin:  Arabic  

Nader means ‘rare’ and ‘compassionate’ and has Arabic roots.

32. Ranan  

  • Meaning: Joyful, compassionate
  • Origin: Hebrew 

Ranan means ‘joyful’ and ‘compassionate’ and has Hebrew roots.

Read Next: Heavenly Choices: Unveiling the 100 Most Divine Angelic Names for Your Baby

33. Tenzin  

  • Meaning: Holder of compassion and wisdom
  • Origin: Tibetan 

Tenzin is a name with Tibetan roots. It means ‘holder of compassion and wisdom’. It’s a name that’s sure to stand out throughout your little one’s life!

34. Zayd  

  • Meaning: Growth, abundance, compassionate
  • Origin: Arabic 

Zayd is a name for boys that has Arabic roots. It means ‘growth’ and ‘compassionate’.

35. Anouk  

  • Meaning: Grace, favor, compassionate
  • Origin:  Hebrew/French

Anouk is a Hebrew and French name that means ‘grace’ and ‘compassionate’. 

36. Bodhi  

  • Meaning: Awakening, enlightenment, compassionate being
  • Origin: Sanskrit  

Bodhi is a seriously cool and modern boy’s name that’s pronounced ‘BOH-DEE’. It means ‘awakening’ and ‘compassionate being’. 

Mother plays with cheerful kids amid lavender fields

37. Farhan  

  • Meaning: Happy, joyful, compassionate
  • Origin:  Arabic  

Farhan means ‘joyful’ and ‘compassionate’ and has Arabic origins.

38. Mahid  

  • Meaning: One who comforts, compassionate
  • Origin: Arabic  

Pronounced ‘MAH-HEED’, this Arabic boy’s name means ‘compassionate’ and ‘one who comforts’. 

39. Pax  

  • Meaning: Peace, symbolizing compassion
  • Origin: Latin 

Pax is a short, super cool name for little boys. It has Latin roots and means ‘peace’, which symbolizes compassion and understanding.

40. Rupin 

  • Meaning: Compassionate, kind
  • Origin: Sanskrit 

Rupin means ‘compassionate’ and has Sanskrit roots.

41. Keanu  

  • Meaning: Cool breeze, gentle and compassionate
  • Origin: Hawaiian

Keanu (yes, like Reeves!) is a Hawaiian boy’s name that means ‘cool breeze’ as well as ‘gentle’ and ‘compassionate’. It’s also a great nature-inspired name.

42. Matteo  

  • Meaning: Gift of God, compassionate gift
  • Origin: Italian/Hebrew

Matteo is an Italian and Hebrew name that means ‘gift of God’ and ‘compassionate gift’. It’s pronounced ‘MAT-AY-OH’. 

  • Meaning: Compassion, mercy
  • Origin: Sanskrit

Karuna is a Sanskrit girl’s name that means ‘compassion’ and ‘mercy’ – beautiful meanings for a new baby girl!

a newborn baby sleeping peacefully in a basket
  • Meaning: Grace, kindness, compassio
  • Origin: Latin

Amara is an unusual Latin name for girls that means ‘grace’ and ‘compassion’. 

  • Meaning: Compassion, forgiveness
  • Origin: English

Mercy is an adorable name for little girls that means ‘compassion’ and ‘forgiveness’. It has English roots.

  • Meaning: Gentleness, compassion, mercy
  • Origin: Latin

Clemency is a sophisticated Latin name for girls that means ‘gentleness’ and ‘compassion’.

  • Meaning: Friendly, compassionate
  • Origin: Arabic

Anisa is an Arabic name that means ‘friendly’ and ‘compassionate’. It’s pronounced ‘AH-NEE-SA’.

a smiling woman holding her newborn
  • Meaning: Gracious, compassionate
  • Origin: Slavic

Mila is a super cool name for girls that’s pronounced ‘ME-LAH’. It has Slavic roots and means both ‘gracious’ and ‘compassionate’. 

  • Meaning: Compassion, kindness
  • Origin: Sanskrit

Daya is a Sanskrit girl’s name that means ‘compassion’ and ‘kindness’. It’s pronounced ‘DYE-UH’. 

Read Next: Heavenly Choices: Unveiling the 100 Most Divine Angelic Names for Your Baby

  • Meaning: Faith, compassionate
  • Origin: Arabic

Emani is an Arabic name. It means ‘compassionate’ and ‘faith’.

  • Meaning: Worth praising, compassionate
  • Origin: Sanskrit

Navya is a unique girl’s name that has Sanskrit origins. It means ‘worth praising’ and ‘compassionate’. 

  • Meaning: Helper, compassionate
  • Origin: Arabic

Aida is a cute name for girls with Arabic origins. It means ‘helper’ and ‘compassionate’.

Joyful Girl in Lavender Field
  • Meaning: Joy, compassionate happiness
  • Origin: Greek

Chara has Greek roots and means ‘compassionate happiness’ and ‘joy’ – perfect for a happy and radiant addition to the family!

  • Meaning: Compassionate friend
  • Origin: Hebrew

Ruth is a vintage name for girls that has one syllable. This timeless name has Hebrew origins and means ‘compassionate friend’. 

a vintage portrait of a mother holding a baby daughter
  • Meaning: Kind, compassionate
  • Origin: German

Lenna is a German name for girls that means ‘kind’ and ‘compassionate’. 

  • Meaning: Compassionate, caring
  • Origin: Arabic

Humaira is an Arabic name that means ‘compassionate’. 

  • Meaning: Lioness of God, compassionate protector
  • Origin: Hebrew

Ariella is a unique name for girls that has Hebrew origins. It means both ‘lioness of God’ and ‘compassionate protector’.

  • Meaning: Beloved, compassionate
  • Origin: Sanskrit 

Pronounced ‘PREE-YA’, Priya is a Sanskrit girl’s name that means ‘beloved’ and ‘compassionate’.

a newborn baby sleeping in a basket among flowers
  • Meaning: Grace, compassion
  • Origin: Hebrew/French

Anaïs has both Hebrew and French roots and is pronounced ‘AH-NAY’. It’s a sophisticated baby girl name that means ‘compassion’ and ‘grace’.

  • Meaning: Healing, compassionate healer
  • Origin: Greek

Althea is a Greek name for girls that means ‘healing’ and ‘compassionate healer’.

  • Meaning: Faith, compassionate trust
  • Origin: Swahili  

Imani is a Swahili girl’s name that means ‘faith’ and ‘compassionate trust’. 

a toddler girl in warm golden sunlight surrounded by tall grass and colorful butterflies
  • Meaning: Good news, compassionate messenger
  • Origin: Greek

Evangeline is a pretty girl’s name with Greek roots. It means ‘compassionate messenger’. 

  • Meaning: Dew from heaven, compassionate blessing
  • Origin: Hebrew

Meaning ‘compassionate blessing’, Talia is a Hebrew name for girls that’s pretty uncommon in the US.

Read Next: The Top Exceptional and Unique Baby Names for Your Little Boy or Girl

  • Meaning: Shining light, compassionate guide
  • Origin: Greek

Ellie is a Greek name for little girls that means ‘shining light’ and ‘compassionate guide’. 

Read Next: 30 Baby Names That Mean ‘Light’: Illuminating Choices for Your Little One

a toddler girl wearing a floral headband surrounded by flowers
  • Meaning: Skilled, compassionate helper
  • Origin: Arabic

Mahira is an Arabic name for baby girls that means ‘skilled and compassionate helper’.

  • Meaning: Blessing, compassionate gift
  • Origin: Arabic

Nimah – pronounced ‘NEE-MAH’ – is an Arabic name for girls that means ‘compassionate gift’.

  • Meaning: Star, compassionate light
  • Origin: Welsh

Seren is a beautiful Welsh name for girls that means ‘star’ and ‘compassionate light’. 

  • Meaning: Guardian, compassionate protector
  • Origin: Hebrew

Samara is a Hebrew girl’s name that means ‘guardian’ and ‘compassionate protector’.

a laughing girl outside in the wind
  • Meaning: Compassionate lady, beloved
  • Origin: Arabic

Mariam is a girl’s name with Arabic origins. It means ‘compassionate lady’ and ‘beloved’.

  • Meaning: Pure, compassionate
  • Origin: Arabic

Safiya is a cute name for girls with Arabic origins. It means ‘pure’ and ‘compassionate’. 

  • Meaning: Most holy, compassionate spirit
  • Origin: Greek

Ariane has Greek origins and means ‘compassionate spirit’. It’s a variation of the celebrity-inspired name Ariana. 

  • Meaning: Beautiful, compassionate heart
  • Origin: Arabic

Zaina has a beautiful meaning – ‘compassionate heart’ – and has Arabic roots.

a girl with small birds
  • Meaning: Peaceful, compassionate
  • Origin: Arabic

The Arabic name Salma means both ‘peaceful’ and ‘compassionate’. 

Final thoughts

Choosing a name that embodies compassion is a wonderful way to instill a sense of kindness and empathy in your little one from the very beginning of their life. These kind and caring names not only reflect a cherished value; they serve as a reminder of the warmth and understanding you hope they carry with them. 

Every name on this list has been thoughtfully chosen to reflect connection and the best of humanity. We hope you find one that feels just right for your little one as you prepare to welcome them to the world!

And if you’re still looking for inspiration, don’t miss our list of names that mean ‘soul’, names that mean ‘blessing from God’ and beautiful names that mean ‘growth’.

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