Valera is a unique and captivating name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Catalan word "valer," which means "to be strong" or "to have value." This powerful etymology suggests that those named Valera are imbued with inner strength and fortitude.
The name Valera has been associated with several notable figures throughout history, contributing to its rich legacy. One of the most famous is Antoni Valentí i Valentí, also known as Antoni Valera, a prominent Catalan linguist who played a significant role in the standardization of the Catalan language during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In literature, Valera also appears as a surname in several works by Spanish authors. For instance, it is featured prominently in "The Family of Pascual Duarte" by Camilo José Cela, providing readers with insights into the complex dynamics of rural Spanish society during the early 20th century.
Despite its unique sound and rich history, Valera remains relatively uncommon as a given name, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking to bestow their child with a distinctive moniker that carries a wealth of meaning and heritage. Those named Valera can take pride in their strong and valorous namesake while enjoying the rare opportunity to bear a name that is truly their own.
Based on the statistical data provided, the name Valera has seen varied popularity over time in the United States.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Valera was relatively low but consistently present. Between 1896 and 1924, there were between 5 to 37 births each year with the name Valera, with a notable spike in popularity in 1915-1919.
However, from the mid-1920s onwards, the number of babies named Valera began to decrease significantly. Between 1924 and 1969, there were fewer than 25 births each year with the name Valera, often dropping below double digits. The highest point during this period was in 1932 with 26 births.
Interestingly, there was a slight resurgence of the name Valera in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with between 5 to 13 births each year from 1966 to 1974. However, this increase did not reach the levels seen earlier in the century.
Overall, while Valera has been a name used consistently throughout history in the United States, it has never been particularly popular, with only a few notable spikes in popularity during the early 20th century and late 1960s/early 1970s. As of 1974, there had been a total of 1051 births registered with the name Valera in the United States.