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.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Valentine Rose
Floral · soft ending
Valentine Mae
Sweet · timeless
Valentine Claire
French influence · crisp
Valentine Jane
Literary · strong
Valentine Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Valentine right now?
Rising fast — up 186 spots — currently #1906 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Valentine by decade
| 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?
Famous people named Valentine
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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 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Valentine?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Valentine also consider these
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.