Valentine

Valentine is a feminine first name that has been used primarily in German and French-speaking areas as the feminine form of Valentin since the 19th century.

What does the name Valentine mean?

The name Valentine is regarded in German and French-speaking areas as the feminine variant of Valentin as well as an alternative spelling of Valentina. In English-speaking countries, however, Valentine is often a male first name. The name originates from Latin, derived from the words valēns and valeō, which can be translated as 'healthy', 'strong', 'powerful', or 'robust'. This results in meanings such as 'the strong one', 'the powerful one', or 'the healthy one'. The male form Valens or Valentinus was used as a nickname in Roman culture. Saint Valentine, a martyr of the 3rd century, is associated with the name as his feast day coincides with the Roman fertility festival Lupercalia, explaining the connection between Valentine's Day and love. Since the 12th century, Valentine has also been sporadically used as an English first name. Other variants include Walentina (Russian), Walentyna (Polish), Valtina (Upper German), Valya (Russian), Walja, Valja (Bulgarian, Russian, and Ukrainian), as well as Valentyna (Czech and Ukrainian), Valentia, Valencia, and Valenzia (Italian).

Where does the name Valentine come from?

The etymology of Valentine shows that it is both a feminine and a masculine first name with Latin origins. Meanings such as 'the powerful one' or 'the strong one' are central.

How do you pronounce Valentine?

The sound and pronunciation of Valentine give the name an elegant, three-syllable structure. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as 'Va-len-TI-ne' [valɛnˈtiːnə], with the emphasis on the last syllable. The long 'I' sound brings brightness to the name, while the unstressed '-ne' gently fades away. Overall, Valentine sounds stylish and melodic – feminine, sonorous, and harmonious.

When is the name day of Valentine?

The name day of Valentine is celebrated on January 7 and February 14.

Popularity

In Germany, Valentine is a common first name. Currently, it ranks 3,210th on the list of the most popular female first names. Its best ranking was achieved in 2007, when it rose to 732nd place. In the last ten years, Valentine has been given as a first name about 100 times, placing it 2,439th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 2,085th.

Nicknames & pet names

Leni / Tina / Tine / Tini / Val / Vala / Vale / Valen / Vali / Valja / Valle / Valli

Similar first names

Famous people

• Anna Jeanne Valentine Marianne Desglans (poet from France)
• Beatrice Valentine Amrhein (artist from America)
• Charles Valentine Holten (Australian cricketer)
• Francis Valentine Joseph Hussey (American athlete)
• Francis Valentine O'Connor (American art historian)
• Frank Valentine Weston (bishop)
• Frederick Valentine Harrison (English composer)
• George Valentine Cox (writer from England)
• George Valentine Nash (American botanist)
• James Valentine Jelley (painter from Great Britain)
• John Alfred Valentine Butler (British chemist)
• John Valentine Carruthers (British guitarist)
• John Valentine Haidt (American painter)
• Oswald Valentine Sickert (British writer)
• Tsakane Valentine Maswanganyi (American singer)
• Urban Valentine Williams Darlington (American bishop)
• Valentine (Romanski) (singer)
• Valentine Ackland (poet from Great Britain)
• Valentine Adler (writer from Austria)
• Valentine Arrieta (Swiss athlete)