Is 爱 commonly used in Chinese names?

Yes, 爱 is quite popular in Chinese given names, especially for females, though it can be used for males as well.

What's the difference between traditional and simplified 爱?

The traditional character 愛 contains the heart component 心, while simplified 爱 replaces it with 友, though both convey the meaning of love.

爱 pairs well with many characters to create meaningful names:

爱Tone 4

ài ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

Love — to have deep affection for;

to like;

to cherish;

to be fond of;

to be inclined to do something.

Love — to have deep affection forto liketo cherish

Love someoneLove the motherlandLove scienceLove laborLove lifeLove beauty

One of the most fundamental virtues in Confucian philosophy, representing benevolence and compassion.
In traditional Chinese culture, love is often expressed through actions and responsibilities rather than just emotions.
The character 爱 originally contained the component 心 (heart), emphasizing the emotional aspect of love.