A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Valera since 1896
Babies named Valera per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Valera's real moment was 1910.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 16 |
| 1900s | 49 |
| 1910s | 260 |
| 1920s | 264 |
| 1930s | 168 |
| 1940s | 123 |
| 1950s | 96 |
| 1960s | 67 |
| 1970s | 8 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 12 |
Meaning & origin
Valera is a name with deep roots in Latin antiquity, yet it remains remarkably uncommon in modern times. According to U.S. Social Security data, it first appeared on the records in 1896 and reached its peak rank of 11,932 in 1910, with about 1 in every 229,610 girls receiving the name in 2025. The name has been on a rising trajectory since 2022, suggesting a potential revival. Its history is scattered primarily in the 1910s, where it saw its highest usage, though no state reported it as a top name. As a variant of Valeria, it carries a classic strength, but its relative obscurity gives it a unique appeal for parents seeking a name that is both historical and distinctive.
Valera appears as a feminine given name, likely a variant of Valeria, the feminine form of the Roman family name Valerius, derived from Latin 'valere' meaning 'to be strong'. The name has been used in various cultures, including Spanish and Italian contexts, though its precise origin and path into English usage remain unclear. It saw modest use in the United States in the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Val, Lera, Valli
Sibling names for Valera
Names that share Valera's style, for a brother or sister.
