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Home › Baby Names Directory › Valerian

Valerian

♂ Boy

Pronounced və-LEER-ee-ən /vəˈlir.i.ən/Medium

Meaning: From the Roman Valerianus — a derivative of Valerius, from Latin valere, 'to be strong, healthy, vigorous' (also the calming valerian plant)Medium

In 30 seconds: Strong; healthy: Valerian is from the Roman Valerianus — 'strong, healthy'. Lyrical, classic, and warm (said 'və-LEER-ee-ən').
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Origin MediumLatin
MeaningFrom the Roman Valerianus — a derivative of Valerius, from Latin valere, 'to be strong, healthy, vigorous' (also the calming valerian plant)
U.S. rank (2025)#4526 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births23 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2018
Total births (all-time)≈ 497

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201819142025

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

Valerian comes from the Roman Valerianus — a derivative of the family name Valerius, from Latin valere, 'to be strong, healthy, vigorous'. Borne by a Roman emperor and several saints (and shared with the calming valerian plant). A lyrical, classic name across Europe (said 'və-LEER-ee-ən'; nickname Val).

In the U.S. it appears in European families. Rare, strong-and-healthy at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Valerian comes from the Roman Valerianus, from Latin valere, 'to be strong, healthy, vigorous' (also the name of the soothing valerian plant) — a lyrical, classic name (said 'və-LEER-ee-ən').
Overall data confidence 68%
Behind the Name — Valerian — root etymology

Variations

ValerianoValerienValerio

Nicknames

Val

Famous Bearers

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If you like Valerian…

Valerio— a kin Valer- boys' name
Valentin— a fellow Val- boys' name
Aurelian— a sound-neighbor Roman -ian boys' name
Octavian— echoes that soft -an sound
Obsidian— shares the -an ending

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Valerian mean?

Valerian is from the Roman Valerianus — Latin 'strong, healthy, vigorous'.

How do you pronounce Valerian?

It's said və-LEER-ee-ən /vəˈlir.i.ən/ — four syllables, stress on the second.

Is Valerian a boy or girl name?

Valerian is a boy's name.

How popular is Valerian?

Valerian is a rare name in the U.S.

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