V names
- Valentina
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
Effortlessly stylish, with plenty of sweetness and strength, Valentina feels like a fresh alternative to Valerie, Victoria, or Vanessa.
- Valentine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
Valentine is an attractive Shakespearean name with romantic associations, but those very ties to the saint and the sentimental holiday have sent it into a decline, one which we think may be about to turn around.
- Valerian
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
This name of a Roman emperor and of a sedating plant is still used quietly, given to about a dozen baby boys in the US last year. It has a strong, rhythmic sound and could make a modern-feeling honor name for grandma Valerie.
- Valeska
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"strong"Description:
This diminutive of Valeria has a strong and striking sound to match its meaning. It has also been used in Brazil in recent decades.
- Vallea
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"Valley"Description:
This Italian word name, meaning (as you would suspect) valley, has a rolling soft sound to it. The "lay-a" sound also perfectly complements the current fashion for similar names such as Rhea, Layla and May/Mae.
- Valletta
Origin:
Maltese place nameDescription:
Valletta is the capital city of Malta. It takes on an air of attractiveness via model Amber Valletta and could make an appealing alternative to the somewhat dated Valerie.
- Vallis
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"from Wales"Description:
Intriguing way to signal Welsh ancestry; more unusual than Wallace.
- Vance
Origin:
English and IrishMeaning:
"someone who lives near marshland"Description:
Short and sharp with a nature related meaning, Vance was trending upwards in recent years thanks to the musicians Foy Vance and Vance Joy. 2024 saw it take a downwards dip however, likely due to its association with the vice president, JD Vance, a controversial association which it might not recover from for a while. Time, however, will tell.
- Vanessa
Origin:
Literary invention; also a species of butterflyDescription:
Vanessa was invented by writer Jonathan Swift for a lover named Esther Vanhomrigh—he combined the first syllable of her last name with the initial syllable of her first. Swift used it in the poem Cadenus and Vanessa in 1713. A century later, Johan Christian Fabricius used Vanessa as the name of a genus of butterfly.
- Vanille
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"vanilla"Description:
While Vanilla might be too bland, the French version is more flavorful.
- Vanina
Origin:
Portuguese and Spanish diminutive of EvangelinaMeaning:
"bringer of good news"Description:
Vanina is a name that is, at first glance, miles apart from its origin. But once you say it aloud and look for it, you can see the direct line from Evangelina to Vanina. Vanina could also be a good alternative for people who like the sound of Vanille or Vanilla, but can't bring themselves to use a flavor as a name.
- Vanya
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of JohnDescription:
This short form of Ivan just could join the other Russian nickname names coming into fashion, and it does have the Chekhov connection.
- Vara
Description:
Vara is a feminine name with diverse origins across multiple cultures. In Sanskrit, it means 'blessing' or 'boon,' while in Swedish it's related to 'spring' or 'springtime.' In Hebrew, Vara can be a variation of Sarah meaning 'princess,' and in Finnish, it relates to 'preparation' or 'readiness.' This multicultural name is concise yet melodious with its two balanced syllables. Vara remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but has consistent usage in India, Scandinavia, and parts of Eastern Europe. Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce across languages while its varied meaningful associations give it depth. The name projects gentle strength and natural beauty, appealing to parents seeking a cross-cultural name with substance.
- Varda
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"rose, pink"Description:
Commonly heard in Israel, but here it could be an unusual way to honor Grandma Rose.
- Varden
Description:
Varden is an uncommon masculine name with Germanic and Old English roots. The name likely derives from occupational surnames related to guarding or wardenship, ultimately from words meaning "to watch over" or "guardian." Varden carries an authoritative, dignified quality with its strong consonants and straightforward pronunciation. The name has maintained an under-the-radar status, never appearing on popular name charts but occasionally chosen by parents seeking a distinctive name with historical weight. Varden has a certain literary quality reminiscent of fantasy fiction or historical novels. Its rarity makes it an option for parents seeking a masculine name that sounds established and traditional yet is rarely encountered in contemporary settings.
- Vardiel
Description:
Vardiel is an uncommon name with possible roots in Armenian, Hebrew, or other Near Eastern naming traditions. While definitive information about its origin is limited, it may be related to the Armenian name element "vard" meaning "rose," or could be a variation of Hebrew-origin names. The suffix "-iel" appears in many angelic names in Hebrew tradition, meaning "of God" (as in Gabriel, Michael, etc.). Though traditionally categorized as feminine in some sources, Vardiel has qualities that could make it suitable for any gender. The name is extremely rare, not appearing on most popularity charts. Vardiel has a mystical, almost celestial quality to it, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with potential spiritual connections and a distinctive, memorable sound.
- Varun
Origin:
Hindi, name of a GodDescription:
This name derives from the name Varuna, who in the Hindi faith was the god of water. Varun is, therefore, somewhat analogous to Neptune or Poseidon.
- Vassily
Description:
Vassily is a masculine name of Russian origin, representing a Slavic form of Basil, which comes from the Greek name Basileios meaning 'royal' or 'kingly.' This distinguished name has deep historical roots in Eastern European and Russian culture, particularly associated with Russian aristocracy and Orthodox tradition. Notable bearers include the famous painter Vassily Kandinsky and numerous Russian historical figures. The name has varying spellings including Vasily, Vasiliy, and Vasili. While maintaining strong popularity in Russia and Eastern European countries, Vassily remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it an exotic, sophisticated quality. The name carries connotations of strength, dignity, and cultural richness.
- Vaughan
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"small"Description:
This familiar but never popular Welsh surname name might be a good Sean alternative-- and we're starting to hear some berrybuzz about it. Vaughn is an alternate spelling.
- Ved
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"sacred knowledge"Description:
Literary Indian choice, best known here via acclaimed writer Ved Mehta, who lost his sight at the age of four.