Valerie

Updated: October 2, 2023 by Sarah Nance

Valerie was super popular during the mid-20th century, and while it has fallen back on the list of the top baby names in the United States, it remains one of the most beloved monikers for baby girls. While not as well-known, the name Valerie is also used as a boy's name. The French name evokes images of Christian saints, adored actresses, and fun TV cartoon characters. It's soft and feminine but has a strong meaning—literally! Let's find out more about this well-known name.

Meaning and Origin of the name Valerie:

While used throughout the United States for many years, the baby name Valerie is a French derivative of the Latin word “valere,” which means “healthy” and “strong.” It's also a variant of the Ancient Roman surname Valerius.

Symbolism of the name Valerie:

Valerie is also the name of a Christian saint who was said to be beheaded for her faith. Legend has it that she carried her head back to her bishop before her death. For this reason, the name also symbolizes associated with strength and determination.

Nicknames for the name Valerie:

Val
Vee
Ree
Vale
Vallie
RiRi
Vale
Valeria
Eerie

Style of the name Valerie:

Classic.

Gender of the name Valerie:

Valerie is a girl's name.

Pronunciation of the name Valerie:

VAL-la-ree

Number of syllables in the name Valerie:

Three

Emotion evoked from the name Valerie:

Despite its meaning and symbolism, the name Valerie evokes images of someone who is soft, feminine, and pretty.

Alternative spellings for the name Valerie:

Valeree
Valereigh
Valery
Valleri
Valerei

Popularity of the name Valerie:

Valerie has been on the list of the top 1,000 baby names in the United States for over a century, but it was most popular during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. In 2020, it ranked at number 145, according to the Social Security Administration.