A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Valentine since 1880
Babies named Valentine per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Valentine's real moment was 1894.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 21 | 155 |
| 1890s | 42 | 171 |
| 1900s | 73 | 194 |
| 1910s | 252 | 967 |
| 1920s | 264 | 1,143 |
| 1930s | 129 | 725 |
| 1940s | 119 | 519 |
| 1950s | 94 | 514 |
| 1960s | 87 | 338 |
| 1970s | 63 | 302 |
| 1980s | 126 | 310 |
| 1990s | 130 | 306 |
| 2000s | 158 | 272 |
| 2010s | 364 | 391 |
| 2020s | 317 | 404 |
Meaning & origin
Valentine has a long history as a given name, first recorded in U.S. data in 1880. Its peak year was 1894, reflecting its popularity in the late 19th century. After declining for much of the 20th century, the name has been rising steadily since 2001, suggesting a modest revival. It is most common in Indiana, Colorado, and New York. The name's enduring association with love and Saint Valentine gives it a romantic yet classic appeal, suitable for those seeking a name with historical depth and a gentle strength.
From the Latin name Valentinus, derived from 'valens' meaning strong, vigorous, healthy. Saint Valentine, a third-century Roman martyr, gave the name a lasting Christian association, especially through the feast day that evolved into Valentine's Day. It has been used as both a masculine and feminine given name in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages, though its popularity peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where Valentine is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Valentine” around the world
Where Valentine lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#82
in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Val, Vali, Tinie
Sibling names for Valentine
Names that share Valentine's style, for a brother or sister.
