Valentina is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "valere," which means "to be strong" or "healthy." The name Valentina is derived from the Roman family name Valeria, which was also derived from the Latin word "valere."
The name Valentina has been used throughout history, particularly in Italy and other parts of Europe. In ancient Rome, it was a common name for women of the Valeria gens, one of the most prominent patrician families in Roman history.
In more recent times, Valentina has become popular as a given name in many countries around the world. It has consistently ranked among the top 1000 baby names in the United States since the early 2000s and has been particularly popular in Italy, Spain, and Russia.
Some famous people named Valentina include Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman to travel into space; Valentina Monetta, a San Marinese singer who represented her country at the Eurovision Song Contest three times; and Valentina Cortese, an Italian actress known for her roles in films such as "Romeo and Juliet" by Franco Zeffirelli.
Overall, Valentina is a strong and elegant name with a rich history behind it. Its meaning of "strong" or "healthy" makes it a powerful choice for parents looking for a name that conveys strength and vitality.
The name Valentina experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century. While it was relatively uncommon at the turn of the 20th century, with fewer than 10 births per year until the 1940s, its usage began to rise steadily during World War II and reached a peak in the late 1950s and early 1960s. After a brief decline, it gained popularity once again in the late 1980s and has remained consistently popular ever since, with over 3000 births per year recorded between 2016 and 2023. In total, the name Valentina has been given to approximately 55,303 newborn girls since 1897.