Valerie is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "valere," which means "to be strong" or "to be healthy." The name Valerie was first used as a female form of the masculine name Valerius, which was derived from the Latin word "valere."
The name Valerius was quite popular during the Roman Empire, and it was often given to children who were believed to have been born with strength and vigor. As time passed, the female form of the name, Valerie, began to be used more frequently.
In medieval Europe, Valerie became associated with a legendary saint named Saint Valentine. According to legend, Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who secretly married couples during a time when Emperor Claudius II had outlawed marriage for young men. When he was discovered and arrested, Valentine fell in love with the jailer's daughter, Julia. Before his execution, he cured her of blindness with his prayers, and they exchanged vows. In some versions of the legend, Julia was named Valentina or Valerie.
Throughout history, the name Valerie has been associated with strength, courage, and love. Today, it is still a popular choice for parents looking for a strong yet feminine name for their daughters. Despite its historical ties to Saint Valentine's Day, the name Valerie is not exclusively linked to that particular holiday. Instead, it stands on its own as a beautiful and meaningful name with a rich history behind it.
Sources:
* Behind the Name: https://www.behindthename.com/name/valerie
* Ancestry: https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?nam=Valerie
* The Spruce: https://www.thespruce.com/facts-about-the-name-valerie-3916328
The name Valerie has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century, with its first significant appearance in the late 19th century. Between 1884 and 1896, there were fewer than 20 births per year with the name Valerie. However, starting from 1897, the number of newborn girls named Valerie began to increase steadily.
In the early 20th century, the popularity of the name continued to grow, reaching over 100 births per year by 1913. The period between 1913 and 1945 saw a steady rise in the number of babies named Valerie, with peaks in 1946 (1440 births) and 1949 (3052 births).
The post-WWII era marked a significant turning point for the name Valerie. Between 1950 and 1971, there was an unprecedented surge in popularity, with over 4000 babies named Valerie each year during this period. The peak year was 1968, with 4550 births.
After 1971, the popularity of the name Valerie began to decline gradually but steadily. However, it remained relatively common throughout the late 20th century and into the early 21st century, with around 1000-3000 newborn girls named Valerie each year between 1972 and 2022.
In recent years, the popularity of the name has continued to fluctuate but remains relatively stable. In 2022, there were 1984 births with the name Valerie in the United States.
Overall, the name Valerie has a rich history of popularity in the United States, with periods of significant growth and decline over the past century. Despite its ups and downs in popularity, Valerie remains a well-loved and classic name choice for parents across the nation.