Compilation of V names

Mystical overtones.

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

Used in Italy and Spain, but in non-Latin countries could be confused with Valencia.

Effortlessly stylish, with plenty of sweetness and strength, Valentina feels like a fresh alternative to Valerie, Victoria, or Vanessa.

In Norse mythology, the valkyries decided the fate of men in battle and conveyed the spirits of the fallen to Valhalla, to dwell with the god Odin. Often associated with ravens, swans, and horses, over time the valkyries have been portrayed as strong, female figures, callous and monstrous creatures, and sometimes both at the same time.

Intriguing way to signal Welsh ancestry; more unusual than Wallace.

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.

The name of minor characters in Shakespeare's two of Roman plays – Julius Caesar and Timon of Athens – and a noble Spanish surname. Though probably etymologically unrelated to the Latin word for truth, "veritas," it still carries the feeling of forthrightness and honesty.

Another astral name, this one relating to one of the largest and brightest stars in the heavens, is popular in Scandinavia and Spain, where it ranks among the Top 50 girls' names. Although still very rare in the US, we think it has serious potential to follow the likes of Luna and Lyra up the charts.

See VALDA.

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.

This Latin word used for evening spiritual services was introduced to baby namers by the Eva Greene character Vesper Lynd in the modern James Bond film Casino Royale in 2006, based on the Ian Fleming novel, and is just now beginning to provoke interest among namers, with its spiritual reference and soft, whispery sound.

Said to refer to either Jupiter or Venus, either of which would be preferable as a name.

Could be a short form of Sylvia, Olivia, or any other similar name. Or a vivid Italian word name.

A smooth and velvety Gallic choice first heard here as the heroine of the movie "Chocolat."