Vera was the height of fashion in 1910, then was for a long time difficult to picture embroidered on a baby blanket. Now, though, it has come back into style along with other old-fashioned simple names such as Ada and Iris.

Vladimir is a cultured and deep-rooted Slavic name associated in this country with cultural figures including piano virtuoso Vladimir Horowitz and the author of Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov.

Romantic name used throughout Europe, though sure to lead to pronunciation problems here. Though it's never been too widely used in the US, it's quite popular in Switzerland, France, Austria, and Romania.

The Viktor form of this classic name is widely used throughout Europe and is rising in the US as well.

The most famous Vlad was nicknamed "the Impaler." Enough said.

Alternative form of Basil that might suit the adventurous.

Shorter, more palatable form of Vladimir, best known as the surname of French director Roger.

Short form of the Russian Varvara, a feistier version of Barbara.

A confident sounding choice with plenty of energy, Valya is a Russian and Bulgarian diminutive of Valentina and Valentin. The name was used for a character in the 2025 HBO TV series Dune: Prophecy, set in the universe of Frank Herbert's novel of the same name, while real life bearers include singers Valya Kaneva and Valya Balkanska and social media star and influencer, Valya Karnaval.

More often spelled VERENA, this name is attached to a third century Swiss saint. But the "virtue" name VERITY, is more appealing and comes more directly to the point.

A spirited Russian name, derived from the Roman Valerius, this name is also transcribed as Valeriy. In an English speaking context, it has been used as a (feminine) alternative spelling to Valerie, however, the pronunciation and emphasis of the two names differ. Borne by Russian singer Valery Meladze and Russian composer, Valery Gergiev, it is also used for the titular character of Natasha Pulley's 2022 novel, The Half Life of Valery K.

Vasily is one of many forms of the Greek Basil, all rare in the US.

Varfolomei is the Russian form of the Hebrew name Bartholomew, which means 'son of Talmai' or 'son of the furrows.' This name has deep historical roots in Eastern Orthodox traditions, where Saint Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. In Russian culture, Varfolomei has been used since medieval times, though it's less common in modern usage than its shortened form, Varlam. The name carries significant religious and cultural weight in Slavic countries, particularly Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. While relatively uncommon outside Eastern European communities, Varfolomei appeals to parents seeking a name with Orthodox Christian heritage and distinctive Slavic character.

Viktoria is the Eastern European and Germanic spelling of Victoria, a name derived from Latin meaning 'victory.' This variation maintains the powerful meaning while giving it a distinctive continental European flair. Particularly popular in countries like Russia, Germany, Hungary, and across Eastern Europe, Viktoria carries a sense of strength and triumph. The 'k' spelling gives the name a sharp, dynamic quality that differs slightly from the softer 'c' version. While less common in English-speaking countries, global connections have increased its usage worldwide. Viktoria combines classical heritage with cross-cultural appeal, making it both timeless and contemporary for parents seeking a name with established roots but a distinctive character.

Vary is an uncommon feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of 'Valerie,' derived from the Latin 'Valerius,' meaning 'strong' or 'healthy.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Hungarian name 'Vári' or represent a unique spelling of similar-sounding names. As a given name, Vary remains quite rare in most English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Its brevity and melodic sound make it appealing for parents seeking something unusual yet accessible. The name carries connotations of uniqueness and variability, reflecting its uncommon status in the naming landscape.

With the rise of both international names and those that start with the letter V, this sharp alternative to Vera may become more familiar in the English-speaking world.

Vyacheslav is a masculine Slavic name of Russian origin, derived from the Old Slavic elements "vyache" meaning "more" and "slav" meaning "glory" or "fame." Thus, the name translates to "more glory" or "greater glory." With deep roots in Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian cultures, Vyacheslav has been used since medieval times. The name is often shortened to the affectionate nicknames "Slava" or "Slavik" in everyday use. Notable bearers include Soviet politician Vyacheslav Molotov and several prominent Russian athletes. While common in Eastern European countries, the name remains relatively rare in Western nations. Vyacheslav conveys strength, honor, and a connection to Slavic heritage.

Verasha is a contemporary feminine name that appears to be a modern creation rather than having deep historical roots. It may be an elaboration of the Latin prefix 'vera' meaning 'true,' combined with a melodic ending to create a distinctive sound. The name has a flowing, exotic quality with its three syllables and soft 'sha' ending. Verasha remains extremely rare, making it appealing to parents seeking a unique name that still feels intuitive to pronounce. The name's musical quality and balanced structure give it an elegant feel despite its modern origins. With its unusual character but accessible sound, Verasha exemplifies the trend toward creating new names that sound established but offer individuality. The name may also appeal to those looking for multicultural resonance, as it has pleasing sounds in various linguistic contexts.

Verka is a feminine name primarily used in Slavic countries, particularly in Czech, Slovak, and Ukrainian cultures. It functions as a diminutive form of names like Vera or Veronika. Vera derives from the Russian word for 'faith,' while Veronika has roots in the Greek 'pherein' meaning 'to bring' and 'nike' meaning 'victory.' This diminutive form adds an affectionate, familiar quality to the more formal root names. In Eastern European contexts, Verka may be used as both a nickname and a given name in its own right. Outside Slavic regions, the name remains quite uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Its short, clear pronunciation makes it accessible despite its relative unfamiliarity in Western naming traditions.