Valerie is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "valere," which means "to be strong" or "healthy." The name Valerie is also associated with the Roman goddess Valeria, who was believed to embody courage and strength.
The name Valerie has been used since ancient times, but it became particularly popular during the Middle Ages in Europe. It was often given to girls born into noble families, as a way of expressing their parents' hopes for them to grow up to be strong and virtuous women. In some cases, the name Valerie may have also been chosen because it sounded similar to other popular names of the time, such as Valentine.
Over the centuries, Valerie has continued to be a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and meaningful name for their daughters. Today, it is still widely used in many English-speaking countries around the world. Some famous people with the name Valerie include actresses Valerie Bertinelli and Valerie Harper, singer-songwriter Valerie June, and journalist Valerie Plame Wilson.
In terms of its meaning and symbolism, the name Valerie is often associated with qualities such as strength, courage, and resilience. It can also be interpreted as a wish for good health and well-being. Whether used as a given name or a middle name, Valerie remains a powerful and memorable choice for parents looking to honor their daughters' potential for greatness.
The name Vallerie experienced fluctuations in popularity over time, with peaks in the late 1940s to mid-1950s and again in the early 2000s. The highest number of births was recorded in 1950 and 2006, each with 26 births. However, since the late 1980s, Vallerie has become less common, with fewer than 10 births per year on average from 1987 onwards. The most recent years show a further decline in popularity, with only 5 births recorded in 2022 and 6 births in 2023.