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Origin and meaning of the name Valerie

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What is the origin of the name Valerie?

Valerie is an English form of the Latin name Waleria, which was derived from Walaric, a Germanic name composed of the elements walh meaning "foreigner" or "stranger," and ric meaning "power" or "rule." The name became popular in France during the Middle Ages due to Saint Walburga, an Anglo-Saxon abbess who was canonized in the 9th century. The name Valerie then spread to other parts of Europe, including England, and eventually became common in the English-speaking world.

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Valerie

Valerie is a popular given name of French origin, derived from the Old Provençal name Walarie, which itself comes from the Germanic Walahari or Walahaire, meaning "foreigner ruler" or "daughter of a foreign ruler." The name was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century and eventually became common in France. In English-speaking countries, Valerie gained popularity in the early 20th century due to its association with the French language and culture, as well as its sweet and charming sound. It peaked in usage during the mid-century but remains a common name today. The name is used for both females and males, although it is more frequently given to girls. Valerie has been bestowed upon several notable individuals throughout history, including American actress Valerie Harper and French singer Valérie Lemercier.

Character traits associated with the name Valerie

Valerie is often characterized as a compassionate, intelligent, and determined individual. She is known for her strong sense of empathy and kindness towards others, making her an excellent listener and friend. Her intelligence shines through her analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which she utilizes to navigate complex situations with ease. Valerie's determination is evident in her persistence and drive to achieve her goals. She is adaptable and resilient, capable of overcoming obstacles and challenges that come her way. Additionally, Valerie values honesty and fairness, and is known for maintaining a strong moral compass. These qualities make her a trusted and respected figure among those who know her.

Popularity of the name Valerie

Valerie is a popular female given name of French origin, meaning "strength" or "healthy." It has been consistently ranked among the most commonly used names for girls in many English-speaking countries throughout the 20th century and continues to be a favorite choice today. In the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration, Valerie peaked in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, making it one of the most frequently given names of that era. As of 2021, while no longer among the top 100 baby girl names in the U.S., Valerie remains a widely recognized and well-liked name, demonstrating its enduring appeal over the years.

Famous people with the name Valerie

Valerie Berry, professionally known as Sheena Easton, is a Scottish-American singer who gained fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits such as "Morning Train (Nine to Five)" and duets with Prince. Valerie June is an American singer-songwriter known for her blend of roots music, including folk, blues, soul, country, and gospel. She has released several albums and collaborated with artists like Bon Iver. Valerie Harper, an American actress, gained prominence in the 1970s as Rhoda Morgenstern on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off Rhoda. She won four Emmy Awards for her role and also starred in the sitcom Valerie. Lastly, Valerie Perrine, an American actress, is known for her roles in films like Lenny (1974), The Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977), and Mission: Impossible (1988). She received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in Lenny.

Variations of the name Valerie

Valerie is a popular feminine given name of French origin, derived from the Latin Valerius, which means "strong, healthy, or powerful." It has gained widespread usage across various cultures and languages due to its pleasant sound and strong connotation.

The variations of Valerie include:
- Valeria (Italian, Romanian, Spanish)
- Waleryja (Polish)
- Waleria (Czech, Slovak)
- Valerija (Slovenian, Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, Macedonian)
- Valérie (French)
- Walerie (German)
- Waleriia (Russian)
- Valleri (Italian diminitive)
- Valli (Hungarian diminitive)
- Valèria (Catalan)
- Valère (French masculine form)
These variations maintain the essence of the original name while adapting to the unique phonetic and morphological structures of different languages.
NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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