What does Valerie mean and where does it come from?
Valerie is derived from the Latin name 'Valeria', which comes from the root 'valere', meaning 'to be strong'. It has been a popular name since the Middle Ages, especially in France, where its usage surged. Valerie has variations in different cultures, and the name is widely recognized in many Wester
Cultural significance
Valerie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of strength, valor.
Peak popularity
Reached #60 in 1959 — currently #145 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Valerie?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Valerie?
Valerie works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Valerie Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Valerie Rose
Floral · soft ending
Valerie Mae
Sweet · timeless
Valerie Claire
French influence · crisp
Valerie Jane
Literary · strong
Valerie Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Valerie right now?
Holding steady — currently #145 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #145 | 1,951 | ▲ up 3 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #148 | 1,986 | ▲ up 7 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #155 | 1,840 | ▼ down 10 · -1% births |
| 2020 | #145 | 1,867 | ▲ up 26 · -1% births |
| 2015 | #171 | 1,877 | ▼ down 22 · -9% births |
| 2010 | #149 | 2,065 | ▲ up 18 · +2% births |
| 2005 | #167 | 2,034 | ▼ down 1 · +1% births |
| 2000 | #166 | 2,016 | ▼ down 17 · -8% births |
| 1995 | #149 | 2,182 | ▼ down 20 · -10% births |
| 1990 | #129 | 2,427 | ▼ down 58 · -37% births |
| 1985 | #71 | 3,879 | ▲ up 14 · +7% births |
| 1980 | #85 | 3,611 | ▲ up 7 · +12% births |
| 1975 | #92 | 3,226 | ▲ up 5 · -22% births |
| 1970 | #97 | 4,132 | ▼ down 30 · -27% births |
| 1965 | #67 | 5,650 | — |
The story of Valerie
Valerie has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. Its peak popularity was #60 in 1959. More than 263,866 babies have been named Valerie since 1884. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #819 in 1890 to #145 in 2023. Valerie is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Valerie in 1959:
Valerie by decade
Valerie peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 32 | |
| 1890s | 141 | |
| 1900s | 259 | |
| 1910s | 1,314 | |
| 1920s | 1,710 | |
| 1930s | 3,965 | |
| 1940s | 13,721 | |
| 1950s | 52,346 | |
| 1960s ★ | 56,739 | |
| 1970s | 33,972 | |
| 1980s | 34,782 | |
| 1990s | 22,047 | |
| 2000s | 21,986 | |
| 2010s | 18,985 | |
| 2020s | 1,867 | |
What are good nicknames for Valerie?
Famous people named Valerie
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Valerie (Roman senator or statesman)
Valerie held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
V(
Valerie (Renaissance scholar)
Valerie 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 Valerie?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Valerie also consider these
How is Valerie written in other languages?
Gender variants of Valerie
Common questions about the name Valerie
What does the name Valerie mean?
Valerie means "strength, valor" — 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 Valerie?
Valerie is currently ranked #145 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Valerie?
Valerie 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 Valerie?
Valerie is a three-syllable name pronounced V AE1 L ER0 IY0. 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 Valerie?
Valerie 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.