"strong, healthy, from the Latin valere"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Valerie
Pronunciation: [ v-AL-er-ee ]
Girl Name
#147 Most Popular
Steady
3 Syllables
Latin strength, French elegance, Amy Winehouse cool
French
English
American
Latin
Classic
Elegant
Vintage
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"brave, strong"
Origin: French from Latin
Language: French
"to be strong, to be healthy"
Origin: Latin valere
Language: English
"valor, strength"
Origin: Latin Valerius
Language: Latin
The Story of Valerie
Valerie comes from the Latin 'Valeria,' the feminine form of the Roman family name Valerius, derived from 'valere' — to be strong, to be healthy. The same root gives us 'valor,' 'valid,' 'Valentine,' and 'convalescent.' The name was borne by several early Christian martyrs, including Saint Valeria of Milan, and spread throughout the Roman-influenced world. It became particularly fashionable in France, where Valérie became a classic feminine name before crossing to English-speaking countries.
Valerie peaked in American popularity during the 1950s-70s, when it frequently ranked in the top 50. The name has never fallen out of use but occupies a 'vintage elegant' category now — familiar but not fashionable in the way of current trends. The song 'Valerie' by Steve Winwood (1982) and the 2007 cover by Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson have kept the name in cultural consciousness.
Valerie carries strong mid-century American and French cultural associations. In France, Valérie is a mainstream classic. The Amy Winehouse/Mark Ronson version of 'Valerie' became one of the defining songs of the 2000s, giving the name an indelible musical identity for a generation.
Fun Facts
- The Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson version of Valerie reached #2 in the UK in 2007
- The Latin root 'valere' (to be strong) also gives us the words valor, value, valid, and Valentine
- Valerie was a top-50 US baby name for 20 consecutive years from 1955 to 1975
Valerie in Other Languages
French
Valérie
German
Valerie
Italian
Valeria
Russian
Валерия (Valeriya)
Spanish
Valeria
Romanian
Valeria
Famous People Named Valerie
V
Valerie June
Musician
1982
American singer-songwriter known for Americana and soul music
V
Valerie Bertinelli
Actor
1960
American actress known for One Day at a Time and Hot in Cleveland
V
Valerie Harper
Actor
1939
American actress known for Rhoda and The Mary Tyler Moore Show
V
Valerie (Josie and the Pussycats) Fictional
Other
One of the founding members of the fictional band Josie and the Pussycats, known for her musical talent
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #147
- Total SSA Count
- 1,985
- Cultural Origins
- French English American Latin
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Val
Valli
Pairs Well With
Valerie Anne
Valerie Rose
Valerie Elizabeth
Valerie Marie
Valerie Jane
Valerie Grace
Valerie Catherine
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Valerie is also used as a boy name, ranked #23484.
View Valerie as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Valerie
What does the name Valerie mean?
"strong, healthy, from the Latin valere" (from Latin). "brave, strong" (from French from Latin). "to be strong, to be healthy" (from Latin valere). "valor, strength" (from Latin Valerius). Valerie comes from the Latin 'Valeria,' the feminine form of the Roman family name Valerius, derived from 'valere' — to be strong, to be healthy. The same root gives us 'valor,' 'valid,' 'Valentine,' and 'convalescent.' The name was borne by several early Christian martyrs, including Saint Valeria of Milan, and spread throughout the Roman-influenced world. It became particularly fashionable in France, where Valérie became a classic feminine name before crossing to English-speaking countries.
What is the origin of the name Valerie?
Valerie has Latin, French from Latin, Latin valere, Latin Valerius, French, English, and American origins. In Latin, it means "strong, healthy, from the Latin valere". In French from Latin, it means "brave, strong". In Latin valere, it means "to be strong, to be healthy". In Latin Valerius, it means "valor, strength".
Is Valerie a boy or girl name?
Valerie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #147. As a boy name, it is ranked #23484. Valerie is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Valerie?
Valerie is pronounced v-AL-er-ee.
How popular is the name Valerie?
Valerie is currently ranked #147 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Valerie?
Common nicknames for Valerie include Val and Valli.
What are good middle names for Valerie?
Popular middle name pairings include Valerie Anne, Valerie Rose, Valerie Elizabeth, Valerie Marie, Valerie Jane, Valerie Grace, and Valerie Catherine.
What are good sibling names for Valerie?
Names that pair well with Valerie as siblings include Vivienne, Genevieve, Dominic, Julian, Beatrice, Claudia, and Andre.
How many syllables does Valerie have?
Valerie has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Valerie a common or rare name?
Valerie is a popular name, ranked #147 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Valerie
Valerie is a girl name with French, English, American, and Latin origins . The name means "strong, healthy, from the Latin valere" in Latin .
Is Valerie a boy or girl name? Valerie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #147 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #23,484. Valerie is more commonly used as a girl name.
Valerie is currently ranked #147 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Valerie has 3 syllables and is pronounced v-AL-er-ee, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Valerie include Val and Valli. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Valerie include Valentina, Valeria, Valery, Valencia, Valentine . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.