Valentino

Meaning & origin

Valentino has charted a steady climb in U.S. popularity since 1987, reaching its peak rank of 444 in 2025, when roughly 1 in 2,406 newborn boys received the name. The name first appeared in official records in 1910, and it has become particularly favored in states with large Italian-American communities, including Florida, California, and New Jersey. Valentino's enduring appeal lies in its romantic, stylish sound and its connection to love through Saint Valentine, as well as its association with luxury fashion and classic Hollywood glamour. Its trajectory shows consistent growth, suggesting that parents continue to be drawn to this name's combination of strength and elegance.

Valentino is an Italian form of the Latin name Valentinus, itself derived from valens meaning 'strong, vigorous, healthy.' The name was borne by several early Christian saints, including a third-century Roman priest martyred on February 14, giving rise to the association with St. Valentine's Day. In Italy, Valentino has been a classic given name for centuries, and it spread to other cultures through immigration and pop culture, notably via fashion designer Valentino Garavani and silent film star Rudolph Valentino.