Val is a short form of the given name Valentine, which has Latin origins and means "strong, healthy, or vigorous." It is believed to have been first used as a given name in the Middle Ages. The name Valentine was traditionally associated with St. Valentine, a Christian martyr who was said to have performed secret marriages for young lovers. Over time, the name Valentine has become synonymous with love and romance, particularly on February 14th, also known as Valentine's Day. However, it is important to note that there is no historical evidence to suggest that there ever was a St. Valentine or that he had any connection to love or marriage. Despite this, the name Valentine continues to be popular among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children.
"The name Val.Ann seems to have been quite popular between the late 1800s and early 1900s, with a significant number of births occurring during this period. However, its popularity started to decline rapidly from the 1920s onwards, with fewer than 50 births recorded per year after 1967. In recent years, the name has seen a slight resurgence, with more than 10 births recorded in 2014, 2015, and 2021."