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Valdemar
Pronounced VAL-duh-mar /ˈvæl.də.mɑr/Medium
Meaning: A Scandinavian form of the Slavic name Vladimir, from vlad, 'rule', and mer/miru, 'great; famous; peace' — read as 'famous ruler'. Carried by several kings of Denmark, including Valdemar the Great.Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Valdemar is the Scandinavian form of the Slavic Vladimir, built from vlad ('rule') and a second element read as 'great; famous' (and, in some analyses, 'peace'). It reached Denmark through royal marriage ties with the east and became a dynastic name: Valdemar the Great, Valdemar the Victorious and others. It remains a stately, weighty heritage choice in Denmark and Sweden (said 'VAL-duh-mar').
In the U.S. it appears only rarely. Rare here, royal in Denmark.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Valdemar mean?
Valdemar means 'famous ruler', from Slavic roots for 'rule' and 'great; famous'. It is the Scandinavian form of Vladimir.
How do you pronounce Valdemar?
It's said VAL-duh-mar /ˈvæl.də.mɑr/ — three syllables, stress on the first.
Is Valdemar a boy or girl name?
Valdemar is used as a boy's name.
How popular is Valdemar?
Valdemar is a rare name for boys in the U.S., though it is well known in Denmark and Sweden.