Valentine

“strong, healthy” — Associated with Saint Valentine

Latin origin · Unisex name

♂ 76% boys♀ 24% girls

#1906US 2023

83Births / yr

↑Rising

8.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 188500.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Valentine

VAL·unt·eyen

/ˈvæl.ənt.ˌaɪn/ · stress on VAL · 3 syllables

“strong, healthy”

Associated with Saint Valentine · Latin origin

What does Valentine mean and where does it come from?

The name Valentine is derived from the Latin 'Valentinus', which means 'strong' or 'healthy'. Originally, it was used as a masculine name and is historically associated with Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr. In contemporary use, particularly in English-speaking countries, it has become a popular

Cultural significance

Valentine has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of strong, healthy.

Peak popularity

Reached #731 in 1885 — currently #1906 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Valentine?

Valentine works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Valentine Grace

How popular is Valentine right now?

Rising fast — up 186 spots — currently #1906 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#1906 · Top 1.4%

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2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1906	83	▲ up 186 · +15% births
2022	#2092	72	▲ up 428 · +36% births
2021	#2520	53	▲ up 958 · +23% births
2020	#3478	43	▲ up 223 · +5% births
2015	#3701	41	▲ up 4566 · +193% births
2010	#8267	14	▼ down 363
2005	#7904	14	▲ up 1983 · +56% births
2000	#9887	9	▼ down 3230 · -31% births
1995	#6657	13	▲ up 216 · +8% births
1990	#6873	12	▼ down 1776 · -14% births
1985	#5097	14	▼ down 1478 · -36% births
1980	#3619	22	▲ up 5495 · +340% births
1975	#9114	5	▼ down 2018 · -17% births
1970	#7096	6	▼ down 4142 · -67% births
1965	#2954	18	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Valentine

Best Year1915Rank #1296

Peak Count83

Average Rank#3993

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Valentine

Valentine has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 8,315 total births recorded, Valentine remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #731 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1906 in 2023. Valentine is used for both genders: 24% female and 76% male.

Names that peaked alongside Valentine in 1885:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Margaret

Valentine by decade

Valentine peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	176
1890s	213
1900s	267
1910s	1,219
1920s ★	1,407
1930s	854
1940s	638
1950s	608
1960s	425
1970s	366
1980s	435
1990s	435
2000s	428
2010s	751
2020s	93

💎With 8,315 total births, Valentine is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Valentine?

Common

ValValieValyIne

Famous people named Valentine

Valentine (Renaissance scholar)

Valentine used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Valentine?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Valentine also consider these

Valerine

France · strength, health

Balentine

Arabic · A Arabic name

Valentin

Latin · strong, vigorous

Common questions about the name Valentine

What does the name Valentine mean?

Valentine means "strong, healthy" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Valentine?

Valentine is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Valentine have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Valentine?

Valentine originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Valentine?

Valentine is a three-syllable name pronounced V AE1 L AH0 N T AY2 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Valentine?

Valentine pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.