Valentine

Meaning of Valentine

Valentine is a spirited, unisex charmer that springs from the Latin Valentinus, meaning “strong” and “healthy,” yet it drapes itself in ribbons of romance thanks to the third-century Saint Valentine and the heart-studded holiday that bears his name. Pronounced VAL-en-tyn in English—or with a breezy French flair, VAH-lahn-teen—it delivers instant international polish while staying wonderfully familiar. Historically, poets and pop tunes have leaned on Valentine as shorthand for devotion, but the name’s steady, century-long appearance on U.S. charts proves it’s more than a once-a-year confection. It balances soft lyricism with quiet muscle, making it just as fitting for a future novelist as for a future point guard. Parents drawn to names like Julian or Vivienne often fall for Valentine’s blend of old-world grace and modern gender-flexibility, and who can blame them? Choosing Valentine is like handing a child a passport stamped with love, strength, and timeless style.

Pronunciation

French

  • Pronunced as VAH-lahn-teen (/va.lɑ̃.tin/)

English

  • Pronunced as VAL-en-tyn (/ˈvæləntaɪn/)

U.S. Popularity Chart

States Popularity Chart

Notable People Named Valentine

Valentine de Saint-Point -
Valentine Greatrakes -
Valentine Fleming -
Diana Brooks
Curated byDiana Brooks

Assistant Editor