Valjean is a French given name that originates from the Occitan language. Its meaning and origins can be traced back to its components: "val" which means "valley," and "Jan" or "Jean," which is a derivative of "Johannes," a Latin form of the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." Therefore, Valjean translates roughly as "gracious valley."
The name Valjean gained prominence through the works of French author Victor Hugo. In his 1862 novel "Les Misérables," one of the central characters is Jean Valjean, a former convict who becomes a respected businessman and mayor under an assumed identity. This character's story has been adapted into numerous stage productions, films, and television shows, popularizing the name Valjean internationally.
Despite its origins in the Occitan language, Valjean is considered a French name today, as it was popularized by Hugo's novel, which is a cornerstone of French literature. It is also sometimes used as a surname, particularly in France and Quebec.
In terms of popularity, Valjean has not been among the most common names in France or other Francophone countries. However, its usage can be found sporadically throughout history and has seen some fluctuation over time. For instance, it was relatively popular during the mid-20th century but has since declined in usage.
In conclusion, Valjean is a French given name with Occitan origins that translates to "gracious valley." Its popularity is largely attributed to Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables," where Jean Valjean is a central character. Although not one of the most common names, it remains a unique and historic choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Valjean has seen a varied number of births in the United States each year from 1917 to 1964. The highest number of births recorded in any single year was 18 in 1953, while some years saw only 5 births (such as in 1917, 1921, and 1935). Over this period of approximately four decades, the name Valjean was given to a total of 425 babies born in the United States. This indicates that the name has maintained a relatively consistent level of popularity throughout this time frame, with no significant trends towards increasing or decreasing usage.