Lerato
Gender-neutral name · African · Latin
Meaninglove · Sotho
Lerato is an African and Latin gender-neutral name meaning “love”, with Sotho roots. Names from Latin have been passed down since Roman times and still feel polished and timeless. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. It suits a boy or a girl equally well.
Did you know?
- Word funLerato doesn't repeat a single letter: 6 letters, all different.
Fewer than 5 US babies a year get this name, so SSA doesn't list it. That makes it truly rare.
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Lerato
Lerato is a gender-neutral name of African and Latin origin meaning “love”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It's a rare choice in the US, so your child is unlikely to meet another Lerato at school. It works for a boy or a girl, which suits parents who'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
Origin:African namesLatin names
More African names
- Girl name: Layla · night
- Unisex name: Zuri · beautiful
- Girl name: Aisha · alive
- Unisex name: Cairo · the victorious
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Zaire · river
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Girl name: Zahra · radiant, bright
Questions about the name Lerato
What does the name Lerato mean?
Lerato means “love” and comes from Sotho. Names built around “love” have been loved for generations, and give a child a meaning worth sharing when someone asks about their name. Other gender-neutral names with a similar meaning include Nayeli (“possibly I love you”), Amanda (“worthy of love”), Love (“love”) and Eros (“love”).
What is the origin of the name Lerato?
Lerato is African and Latin in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sotho. Names often travel between languages and cultures, which is why Lerato turns up in more than one tradition. Other African names to consider are Layla (“night”), Zuri (“beautiful”), Aisha (“alive”) and Cairo (“the victorious”).
Is Lerato a boy or girl name?
Both. Lerato is a true gender-neutral name used for boys and girls. That balance makes it a good pick if you'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
What names are similar to Lerato?
If you like Lerato, you might also like Nayeli, Amanda, Love and Eros.
What should I know before naming my baby Lerato?
Lerato is an African and Latin gender-neutral name meaning “love”, with Sotho roots. Names from Latin have been passed down since Roman times and still feel polished and timeless. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. It suits a boy or a girl equally well. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.