Boys Names Beginning With V

Victor

Latin

"conqueror"

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…

Valentin

French, German, Russian, Czech, Scandinavian variation of Valentine

"strength, health"

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…

Val

Diminutive of Valentine, Latin

"strength, health"

Val as a boys' name is closely associated with the late actor Val Kilmer.

Valdemar

Nordic variation of Vladimir

Ten years ago we would have advised people to steer clear of this name (and maybe choose the similar sounding Walter instead); but with the rise of other Nordic and Eastern European names like Viggo…

Valentine

Latin

"strength, health"

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…

Valentinian

Valentinian is a masculine name with ancient Roman origins, derived from the Latin name 'Valentinianus.' It was notably borne by three Roman emperors of the 4th and 5th centuries. The name stems from…

Valiant

English word name from Latin

"brave"

While still very rare, the name Valiant was given to six baby boys in the US last year. And it's an inspiring choice.

Vasco

Spanish

"someone from the Basque region"

Schoolchildren will recognize this name via Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.

Vasil

Slavic short form of Basil, Greek

"royal"

Basil and all his brothers and sisters have a meaning related to royalty, sometimes cited as king, queen, royal, regal.

Vasili

Greek

"royal, kingly"

Alternative form of Basil that might suit the adventurous.

Vaska

Russian

"king"

A traditional Russian diminutive of Vasiliy, never given as a full name there but occasionally found as such outside of Russia. The name Vasily/Vaska has also been popular in the country of Georgia.

Vaughn

Welsh

"small"

Vaughn, also commonly spelled Vaughan, has been used quietly over the years, reaching a peak of Number 349 in 1949. It is now in the process of rediscovery, being seen as a good Sean alternative or…

Vendel

Hungarian variation of Wendell, German

"to travel, to proceed"

Vesper

Latin

"evening star"

While this is usually thought of as a girls' name because of the Bond Girl connection, its sound is masculine and there's no reason it couldn't work for boys.

Vetle

Norwegian

"winter traveler"

Vetle is currently popular for boys in Norway. It comes from the Old Norse name Vetrliði, which means "winter traveler" and is also a word for a bear cub. Outside of Norway, it's very rare but could…

Viator

Latin

"voyager"

Viator is a late Latin name, which belonged to a 4th-century Italian saint. Similar in sound to the word Aviator, this name has a slightly space-agey vibe.

Victory

English word name

"victory"

A winning unisex word name, fresher than Victoria or Victor.

Ville

Finnish, Swedish diminutive of William

"resolute protection"

A great choice for a native Swedish speaker, but not as user-friendly as some of the other international short forms of William — Pim (Dutch), Gwil (Welsh), and of course, Liam (Irish).

Ving

Diminutive of Irving

Actor Rhames's imaginative shortening of the prosaic Irving, giving it new life and energy.

Voyager

English from French

"traveler"