A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Valerian since 1914
Babies named Valerian per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2018, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Valerian's real moment was 1918.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 60 |
| 1920s | 101 |
| 1930s | 91 |
| 1940s | 49 |
| 1950s | 23 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 10 |
| 2010s | 43 |
| 2020s | 100 |
Meaning & origin
Valerian is a name with deep Latin roots, historically associated with Roman emperors and early saints. In the United States, it first appeared in Social Security records in 1914 and reached its peak popularity in 1918, ranking #4,396 in 2025. Though rare, the name has been rising in use since 2016, suggesting a gentle revival. Its 1-in-74,264 birth rate indicates a distinctive choice. While not concentrated in any single state, Valerian's classical and botanical appeal makes it a subtle pick for parents drawn to ancient Roman heritage.
Valerian derives from the Latin name Valerianus, itself a derivative of Valerius, a Roman family name rooted in valere, meaning 'to be strong, healthy.' The name was common in ancient Rome and later among early Christians, with several saints bearing it. It saw a modest revival in English-speaking countries in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often chosen for its classical and botanical associations.
“Valerian” around the world
Where Valerian lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
50
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Val, Rian
Variants: Valeriano, Valerien, Valerius
Sibling names for Valerian
Names that share Valerian's style, for a brother or sister.
