MallowbyNames

Valeria

vah-LEH-ree-ah · To be strong, healthy; occasionally interpreted as 'valiant'.

2025 rank (girls)
#162
Babies named in 2025
1,835
Peak popularity
2009
2025 frequency
1 in 876 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1985

Rising since 1985, #162 for girls today.

Popularity of Valeria since 1881

Babies named Valeria per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1.4k2.8k4.2k192019602000Most births 2008Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1880s98
1890s243
1900s360
1910s1,592
1920s1,901
1930s1,182
1940s1,012
1950s1,922
1960s2,052
1970s1,344
1980s1,749
1990s7,795
2000s26,216
2010s21,392
2020s11,194

Meaning & origin

Valeria is a name of Latin origin meaning 'strength,' derived from the ancient Roman family name Valerius. In the United States, it has ranked among the top 200 girls' names since the early 2000s, peaking at position 162 in 2025. The name has been on a rising trajectory since 1985, reflecting a growing preference for melodic, vowel-ending names within Hispanic and broader American communities. According to Social Security data, Valeria was recorded as early as 1881 but saw its most dramatic ascent in the 2000s, becoming especially popular in states like New Mexico, Oregon, and California. Its appeal lies in its classical roots and contemporary sound, balancing historical depth with modern usage.

Valeria is the feminine form of the Roman family name Valerius, derived from Latin 'valere' meaning 'to be strong, healthy'. It was borne by several early Christian saints, including Saint Valeria of Milan, and has been used across Europe for centuries. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, particularly in Hispanic communities.

Where Valeria is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Valeria” around the world

Where Valeria lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    5

    babies in 2024

  • Ireland

    3

    babies in 2025

  • Quebec

    5

    babies in 2025

Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Val, Vali, Ria

Variants: Valerie, Valéria, Waleria

Sibling names for Valeria

Names that share Valeria's style, for a brother or sister.

Names like Valeria

Names whose popularity has moved with Valeria's over the last 50 years.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

V is for Valeria, our favorite little girl.

V is for Valeria…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Valeria's letter becomes Valeria's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Valeria's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Valeria mean?
Valeria means 'to be strong, healthy,' derived from the Latin verb 'valere'.
How popular is the name Valeria currently?
As of 2025, Valeria ranked 162nd in the U.S., with about 1 in every 876 newborn girls receiving the name.
Is Valeria generally used for boys or girls?
Valeria is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.