Other Names for Cupid: Alternate & Cheeky Titles for the God of Love

When you explore the evolution of Cupid, you’re delving into a rich tapestry of mythology and art that spans cultures and eras.

Known predominantly as the Roman god of love, Cupid’s legacy is as complex as love itself, intertwined with tales of desire and affection.

Tracing back to ancient times, he was initially tied to Greek mythology where he was recognized as Eros, a primal god born from chaos.

Over centuries, as the Romans adopted Greek deities, Eros transformed into Cupid—convoluted by Latin poets, integrated into Roman religion, and later, embellished during the Hellenistic period.

Through various retellings, Cupid has been depicted in many lights, from the son of Venus (the goddess of love) and Mars (the god of war), to the playful cherub that’s ubiquitous around Valentine’s Day.

In the oft-told tale of Cupid and Psyche, he embodies both the impulsive matchmaker and a figure of profound love, revealing the duality of his appeal in literature and art.

Evidently, while he always maintained his association with love, Cupid’s portrayal and aliases evolved substantially across time and cultures.

A List of Historical and Modern Names for Cupid

• Eros – The original Greek name.
• Amor – The direct Latin translation for ‘love,’ used in Roman times.
• The God of Love – A title rather than a name, often used to describe his role in mythology.
• Cupidon – The French variation of his name.
• Kamadeva – In Hindu mythology, a similar deity of love.
• Little Archer – A playful, modern epithet for his bow and arrow-toting image.
• Pothos – Representing longing and desire, an aspect sometimes conflated with Cupid in writings.
• Soul Matcher – A contemporary term, resonant with Cupid’s matchmaker role.
• Cherub of Romance – Tying into his depiction in art as a cherub or putto.
• Senchreof Miathe – An artistic, invented name embracing the fantasy element of his character.
• Desir’s Envoy – A name conjuring the sense of Cupid as a messenger of desire.
• Hymen – Often associated with marriage, sometimes mentioned alongside Cupid in myths.
• Valentinus – An echo of Valentine’s Day, with ‘Valentinus’ being the romantic figure’s ancient source.
• Erotes – Referring to the collective group of love gods in which Cupid often gets included.
• Astras of Amour – A poetic, invented phrase playing on his association with ‘arrows of love.’

It’s clear that Cupid, no matter the name he is given, remains a potent symbol of love’s many facets, from gentle affections to raw desire, through the ages and in your everyday lexicon.

Cupid Names

Cupid is often what comes to mind when you think about the figure of love and matchmaking, but there are numerous names and terms from various cultures that encapsulate this cherubic symbol.

Each name reflects a different aspect of love, romance, or physical attraction as perceived by different societies throughout history.

Eros

In Greek mythology, Eros is the primordial god of love and sexual desire.

He represents the fundamental creative power and harmony of the universe.

• Anteros (the god of requited love)
• Himeros (the god associated with unrequited love)

Amor

For the Romans, Amor was another name for Cupid, the Roman god of love.

His name is derived from the Latin word for love.

• Cupido (Latin for “desire,” this is another name for Amor)
• Amorino (a diminutive form, denoting a little Cupid or cherub)

Aengus Óg

In Irish mythology, Aengus Óg is a god akin to Cupid known for love and poetic inspiration.

• Mac Ind Óg (“young son” or “young boy” in Gaelic)
• Má Mac Óg (a poetic form of the name)

Astrild

Astrild is a figure from Norse mythology who fosters love and passion, similar to the role Cupid plays in Roman mythology.

• Ásta (an alternative, more abstract name representing love itself)
• Freya (although not a direct equivalent, Freya is the Norse goddess often associated with love and fertility)

Yue Lao

Yue Lao is the Chinese deity of marriage and love, commonly depicted in folklore as an old man under the moon.

• The Old Man Under the Moon (reflecting his association with marriage)
• Matchmaker God (highlighting his role in connecting couples)

Okuninushi-no-Mikoto

This deity from Japanese mythology has a tale that is not centered on love but has associations with matchmaking and good relationships.

• Daikoku (another name for Okuninushi, reflecting his broader role as a god of wealth and prosperity)
• The Great Land Master (an English translation of his name, emphasizing his dominion)

Names Based on Symbols and Attributes

These names are inspired by the attributes and symbols often associated with Cupid and the essence of love.

• Heartseeker (representing Cupid’s aim and target)
• Lovebringer (an embodiment of bringing love to people)
• Passionflame (to capture the burning intensity of love)
• Cherubkin (a blend of cherub and kinship, reflecting innocence and connection)
• Amourist (a fanciful term for someone skilled in love)
• Voluptary (evoking the luxurious pleasure associated with love)

Another Word for Cupid

Cupid—the winged baby armed with a bow and arrow, famously responsible for making people fall head-over-heels in love.

But don’t think he’s stuck with just one name tag!

Whether you’re crafting a charming Valentine’s card, writing a love story, or simply want to refer to this iconic figure with some creative flair, there’s a variety of names to choose from.

Here’s a playful mix of historical, whimsical, and humorous monikers for the Roman god of love that you might find endearing.

Mythological Names

• Amor (Roman Name)
• Eros (Greek Counterpart)

Playful and Whimsical Names

• Matchmaker Extraordinaire
• Cherubic Archer
• Heart Crafter

Light-Hearted and Humorous Names

• Chubby Yenta
• Bow-Baller
• Love’s Marksman

Names Implying Roles

• Marriage Broker
• Ancient Matchmaker
• Romantic Facilitator

Descriptive Nicknames

• Fluttering Heartsmith
• Cupid, the Love Conductor
• Winged Amorist

Embrace these alternatives whenever you’re looking to give a nod to the mischievous yet beloved matchmaker of mythology.

From classical references to playful twists, each name captures the essence of Cupid in a unique light.

Mythological Accounts

Within mythology, you’ll discover that Cupid is known by several names, each reflecting his intricate role in tales of love and desire.

He’s a prominent figure whose essence captures the complexities of affection and attraction, often wrapped in intriguing narratives.

He’s not just a mere deity of love; he embodies the idea of love across various cultures.

In Roman mythology, you’ll find Cupid primarily as the son of Venus, the goddess of love, and Mars, the god of war, portraying a union of love and combativeness.

In Greek mythology, he goes by the name Eros, the god of desire and attraction.

Let’s look at the different names and titles attributed to this enigmatic figure throughout various myths.

• Eros: In Greek myths, Eros is depicted as a primordial being born from Chaos or as the son of Aphrodite, often equated with Cupid in Roman tales.
• Amor: Another Latin equivalent for love, Amor encapsulates his role as the instigator of romance.
• Philia: While not a name for Cupid directly, this term represents affectionate love and can be seen as one of the domains he influences.
• Himeros: Accompanying Aphrodite from her birth, Himeros represents desire and unrequited love.
• Pothos: Often associated with longing love, Pothos is included in the spectrum of feelings Cupid could invoke.
• Zephyr: The west wind god who helped Cupid in the tale of “Cupid and Psyche” by bringing Psyche to his palace.
• Hymenaios: The god of marriage hymns often called upon alongside Eros in weddings to bless the union.

Here are some creative, made-up names inspired by Cupid’s mythological roles:

• Desiratus: Imagine a deity that personifies the pure essence of desire and longing.
• Valentis: Drawing from Valentine’s Day associations, this name suits a modern take on the deity of affection.
• Amorique: A unique blend that captures the romantic aspect of Cupid’s influence.
• Flechette: Suggestive of the small arrows he wields, this name highlights his capability to make hearts flutter.
• Corarrow: Integrating the symbol of the heart (cor) with his choice of weapon, arrows, describes his precise impact on hearts.