A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Valdemar since 1912
Babies named Valdemar per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2002, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Valdemar's real moment was 1913.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 17 |
| 1920s | 66 |
| 1930s | 94 |
| 1940s | 81 |
| 1950s | 82 |
| 1960s | 94 |
| 1970s | 100 |
| 1980s | 95 |
| 1990s | 122 |
| 2000s | 123 |
| 2010s | 63 |
| 2020s | 27 |
Meaning & origin
Valdemar is a Scandinavian royal name with deep historical roots. First recorded in the U.S. in 1912, it peaked in popularity in 1913 and has since become quite rare. As of 2025, only about 1 in 341,615 newborns receive the name, though its trajectory has been rising since 2022. While no states showed significant concentration, the name retains a strong cultural resonance in Denmark and Sweden. Its meaning, 'famous ruler,' reflects the legacy of medieval kings who bore the name. Valdemar offers a distinctive yet classic choice for parents seeking a name with Old Norse heritage.
Valdemar is the Scandinavian form of the Slavic name Vladimir, introduced to Denmark through the Varangian connection. It was borne by several Danish kings, most notably Valdemar the Great (12th century) and Valdemar I. The name was later adopted in other Germanic and Baltic regions.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Valde, Val
Sibling names for Valdemar
Names that share Valdemar's style, for a brother or sister.
