Valerie

Meaning & origin

Valerie is a classic Latin name that conveys strength and vitality, derived from the verb valere, 'to be strong'. It is the feminine form of the ancient Roman family name Valerius and has been borne by saints and early martyrs, which helped its spread across Europe. In the United States, Valerie entered the Social Security records in 1884 and experienced a slow but steady rise in usage before reaching its peak year in 1959, when it was a top 60 name. After maintaining popularity through the 1960s and 1970s, the name began a falling trajectory in 1985 and has gradually declined since. As of 2025, Valerie holds the rank of 127, meaning that roughly 1 in 724 newborn girls receives the name. It remains most popular in Alaska, Nevada, and Delaware, where it ranks higher than the national average. Despite its gradual decline, Valerie continues to be a well-recognized and enduring choice, favored for its melodic sound and positive meaning.

Valerie is the French and English feminine form of Valerius, a Roman family name derived from the Latin verb valere, 'to be strong'. The name came into use in English-speaking countries by the 19th century, influenced by the French Valérie and the saintly associations of Saint Valeria. It remained a moderately common choice through the 20th century, with a peak in the United States in the late 1950s.