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Valentine

♀ Girl

Pronounced VAL-en-tyne /ˈvæləntaɪn/High

Meaning: From Latin 'valens' (strong, healthy), the root of Valentinus, the name of several early Christian martyrs including the patron saint of love.High

In 30 seconds: A romantic Latin name meaning 'strong' and 'healthy', forever linked to love through Saint Valentine and one of the world's most cherished celebrations.

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Origin HighLatin

MeaningFrom Latin 'valens' (strong, healthy), the root of Valentinus, the name of several early Christian martyrs including the patron saint of love.

U.S. rank (2025)#2539 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births70 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,238

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

Valentine derives from the Latin family name Valentinus, itself from valens, meaning 'strong' or 'in good health'. Several early Christian martyrs bore this name, and it became widely used across Europe following the cult of Saint Valentine of Rome. The association with romantic love was cemented by Geoffrey Chaucer's 14th-century poem Parliament of Foules, in which birds choose their mates on Saint Valentine's Day.

As a given name, Valentine has been used for both boys and girls throughout European history. In France, Valentin/Valentine remains a classic dual-gender name. In English-speaking countries the masculine form faded, while the feminine Valentine has gained contemporary appeal as a romantic, sophisticated choice. It joins a wave of long, elegant names being chosen for girls today.

Did you know? Despite his fame, little is historically verified about Saint Valentine — the Roman Martyrology lists several martyrs named Valentine, and scholars debate which, if any, was the patron of love. The romantic associations developed largely in medieval literature, popularised by Geoffrey Chaucer.

Overall data confidence 96%

Lewis & Short Latin Dictionary — Documents 'valens' as strong/healthy and the derivation of Valentinus.Chaucer, Geoffrey – Parliament of Foules — Key medieval text linking Saint Valentine's Day to romantic love.

Variations

ValentinaValentinValentyne

Nicknames

ValValiTina

Famous Bearers

★Saint Valentine (died 269)
Third-century Roman Christian martyr commemorated on 14 February, traditionally associated with romantic love.

If you like Valentine…

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Adrienne— shares Valentine's Latin roots

Rosaline— the same classic feel

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Valentine mean?

Valentine means 'strong' or 'healthy', from the Latin 'valens'. It is also deeply associated with love through the legend of Saint Valentine.

How do you pronounce Valentine?

Valentine is pronounced VAL-en-tyne, with three syllables and stress on the first.

Is Valentine a boy or girl name?

Valentine has been used for both boys and girls historically. In modern English-speaking countries it is increasingly chosen for girls, while Valentina is the overtly feminine form.

How popular is Valentine?

Valentine is a rare but rising choice for girls in the US and UK, appreciated for its romantic associations and elegant, long-form sound.