Valentine
Valentine is a girl's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Strong, healthy, or vigorous.
Origin and history
Valentine is derived from the Roman name Valentinus, originating from the Latin verb 'valere', meaning to be strong or healthy. Long used as both a masculine and feminine given name in various European cultures, it gained distinct soft, classic appeal in the English-speaking world. In the United States, it remains a charming and somewhat rare choice for girls.
Popularity in the United States
2,239 babies in the United States have been named Valentine since 1880. It ranks #3716 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1784.
States where it is most popular
- CA (59 %)
- TX (11.8 %)
- NY (10.6 %)
- PA (8.1 %)
- IL (4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 21 |
| 1890-1900 | 42 |
| 1900-1910 | 73 |
| 1910-1920 | 252 |
| 1920-1930 | 264 |
| 1930-1940 | 129 |
| 1940-1950 | 119 |
| 1950-1960 | 94 |
| 1960-1970 | 87 |
| 1970-1980 | 63 |
| 1980-1990 | 126 |
| 1990-2000 | 130 |
| 2000-2010 | 158 |
| 2010-2019 | 364 |
| 2020-2029 | 317 |
Nicknames
Val, Valley, Tiny
Fun facts
- The name stems from the Latin adjective 'valens', which was commonly used in Roman cognomens to denote vitality.
- While historically more common as a male name or surname, Valentine has developed a enduring legacy as a feminine given name in English literature and art.