Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Valerie
GirlFrench, Latin· “strong, healthy”
- Meaning
- strong, healthy
- Origin
- French, Latin
- Pronunciation
- VA-lur-ee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #127
- US babies 2025
- 2,221
- Best rank
- #60 (1959)
- Peak year
- 1959
Meaning and origin of Valerie
Valerie is a French and Latin name that means “strong, healthy”.
Valerie is the English spelling of the French Valérie, from the Latin Valeria, the feminine form of the Roman family name Valerius. That name is linked to the Latin valere, "to be strong, to be healthy." Valerie became popular in English in the twentieth century and has a graceful, slightly retro feel today. It is familiar across Europe, with forms like Valeria, Valérie and Valeriya. The name balances softness and strength, and Val and Vally are the usual nicknames. It pairs well with short middle names and has an easy, familiar spelling.
Other spellings with the same sound: Valery, Vallery.
Popularity over time
Valerie first appears in US Social Security records in 1884. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 136 different years, starting in 1884. Its best national rank was #60 in 1959, the same year it reached its highest count of 7,302 babies. In 2025, 2,221 babies were named Valerie, and it ranked #127 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #546 in 1920, #116 in 1950, #85 in 1980, #166 in 2000, #149 in 2010, and #127 in 2025. Of the 273,229 US girls named Valerie since records began, 21% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 52,230 babies. Since 2010, 30,888 more have been named Valerie.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Annette, Darlene, Terri, Anne, and Becky.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Valerie ranked highest in Nevada, Florida, and Alaska.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | #68 | 30 |
| Florida | #78 | 207 |
| Alaska | #87 | 8 |
| California | #97 | 297 |
| Illinois | #99 | 88 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Valerie is usually pronounced VA-lur-ee, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with V and ends in “-ie”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Valery and Vallery.
Middle names for Valerie
A few middle names that flow with Valerie: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Valerie
Similar names
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Lists that include Valerie
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Valerie mean?
Valerie is a French and Latin name that means “strong, healthy”.
What is the origin of the name Valerie?
Valerie has French and Latin roots. Valerie is the English spelling of the French Valérie, from the Latin Valeria, the feminine form of the Roman family name Valerius.
Is Valerie a popular name?
Yes. Valerie ranked #127 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Valerie a boy or girl name?
Valerie is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Valerie?
Valerie is usually pronounced VA-lur-ee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings