V

Occasionally used as an independent name, but why.

Mystical overtones.

This lovely orange-scented Spanish place-name would make an inventive namesake for an Aunt Valerie.

For a girl, we'd say Val-en-teen, though many would insist on pronouncing it like the holiday.

Valery was in the Top 1000 from 2005 to 2009, and reemerged in 2018. This spelling is often used among Hispanic families in the US.

Whether it's used as a short form or on its own, this jazzy midcentury name is poised for a comeback along with brothers Ray and Walt.

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.

Diminutive of the Italian Giovanna, or sometimes Vanessa or Ivanna.

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.

Venessa is a variant spelling of the more common Vanessa, which was invented by Anglo-Irish writer Jonathan Swift in the 18th century. He created the name as a pseudonym for his friend Esther Vanhomrigh, combining elements of her surname with her initial. This feminine name gained popularity in the 20th century, with the alternative spelling Venessa offering a subtle distinction from the more widespread form. The name carries associations with beauty and creativity, and its literary origins give it intellectual depth. Though less common than Vanessa, Venessa maintains the same melodic quality with its three flowing syllables. The 'e' spelling sometimes reflects regional naming traditions or parents' desire to create a slightly different identity while keeping the name's fundamental charm.

No, not Ben (you'll say a million times), not Van -- Venn. John Venn was a British logician and philosopher famous for introducing the Venn diagram, which is used in several fields, including logic, statistics, and computer science.

Verge is an uncommon masculine name with English origins, derived from the Latin word 'virga' meaning 'rod' or 'staff.' It can also be interpreted as referring to the edge or boundary of something, suggesting transition or threshold. As a name, Verge carries connotations of standing at the cusp of something significant or being on the frontier. While extremely rare as a given name, it has an intellectual, distinctive quality that might appeal to parents seeking a unique, meaningful choice. The name has never ranked in popular naming charts and remains a highly unconventional selection with a modern, minimalist feel.

The name Veronica projects a triple-threat image: at once saintly, sensuous, and strong. The name derives from Berenice, the Latin form of the Greek name Berenike "she who brings victory", with the spelling influenced by the Latin phrase vera icon "true image". Veronica was the name of the compassionate woman who wiped Jesus's face when he was on his way to Calvary and whose cloth was miraculously imprinted with his image: she is now the patron saint of photographers.

Victor is one of the earliest Christian names, borne (as Vittorio) by several saints and popes, symbolizing Christ's victory over death. It has been quietly in the Top 200 since 1880, but just recently has taken on a cool edge by fashionable parents in London and seems ripe for a similar reevaluation here too.

Vivi is a short form of all the Vivian and Viveca forms that is sure to get a lot more attention now that a little Jolie-Pitt girl has been named Vivienne.