Character names #X - 'V'

These are names I use for made-up characters, as a character designer. Good for animal names, but some of these you probably shouldn't use for babies. Or do! Only the government can stop you!
  1. Valencia
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "brave, strong"
    • Description:

      This lovely orange-scented Spanish place-name would make an inventive namesake for an Aunt Valerie.
  2. Valentina
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "strength, health"
    • Description:

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

      Valere is a graceful feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'valere' meaning 'to be strong' or 'to be healthy.' It shares roots with the more common names Valerie and Valeria but offers a more streamlined, elegant alternative. The name has been used historically in French-speaking regions, where its pronunciation (vah-LEHR) adds to its sophisticated appeal. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Valere carries a timeless quality with connections to both strength and grace. The name has literary associations that enhance its cultured image. For parents seeking a name with classic roots but distinctive sound, Valere offers the perfect balance of familiarity and uniqueness, conveying both resilience and refinement in its brief but meaningful form.

  4. Valeria
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "strength, health"
    • Description:

      Valeria -- the original form of the name, used by early Christians --has been experiencing significant popularity in recent years. While Valeria was nearly always on the charts, the name peaked in 2009 at #72, surpassing the longtime Franco-American version Valerie. Today Valeria and Valerie are at about equal rankings, sitting in the 150s.
  5. Valerie
    • Origin:

      French variation of Valeria
    • Meaning:

      "strength, health"
    • Description:

      The name of a martyred medieval saint, Valerie has been on the popularity list since its earliest publication in 1880. Though it peaked in the 1960s, remaining in the Top 100 until 1988, it still doesn't sound terminally dated; the association with the word valor gives it a sense of boldness and makes it one of the special group of girl names that mean strong.
  6. Vallerie
    • Description:

      Vallerie is a feminine name representing a spelling variation of Valerie, which derives from the Latin 'Valerius,' meaning 'to be strong' or 'health' and 'strength.' This particular spelling with double 'l' gives the classic name a slightly more distinctive appearance while maintaining its traditional pronunciation. The name carries associations with valor and courage throughout its long history. Vallerie peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1960s alongside the standard spelling, but this variant has always been less common, offering a touch of uniqueness. The name maintains an elegant, timeless quality with French influences, appealing to parents who appreciate traditional names with subtle personalization.
  7. Valor
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "courage and bravery"
    • Description:

      A modern virtue name with ancient charm, Valor works well as it doesn't come up in everyday conversation all that often. Predominantly used for boys, Valor has been given to a slowly growing number of girls in the last decade, with 18 receiving the name in 2023.
  8. Vana
    • Description:

      Vana is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it means 'forest' or 'woodland,' connecting the bearer to nature. In Persian, it relates to 'fair' or 'beautiful.' The name also appears in Greek mythology as a minor goddess. Vana possesses a melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds, giving it a gentle yet distinctive character. The name's brevity makes it easy to pronounce across languages and cultures. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Vana enjoys some popularity in parts of Eastern Europe and India. Its international versatility and natural associations make it appealing to parents seeking a simple yet meaningful name with cross-cultural potential.

  9. Vanille
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "vanilla"
    • Description:

      While Vanilla might be too bland, the French version is more flavorful.
  10. Vanity
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "excessive pride or self-admiration"
    • Description:

      An anti-virtue name if there ever was one. GIrl names ending in -ty (think Serenity, Royalty) are currently chic, but Vanity is best avoided.
  11. Vanna
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "god is gracious"
    • Description:

      Diminutive of the Italian Giovanna, or sometimes Vanessa or Ivanna.
  12. Vanny
    • Description:

      Vanny is a contemporary feminine name that could function as a nickname or stand on its own. It may have evolved as a diminutive of names like Savannah, Vanessa, or even traditional names like Vanora or Evangeline. With its cheerful sound and modern feel, Vanny has an approachable, friendly quality. The name is quite uncommon as a given name, making it a distinctive choice. Its short, two-syllable structure gives it a casual, playful character while remaining easy to pronounce and spell. Vanny might appeal to parents seeking something modern and somewhat unconventional without being completely unfamiliar. Its versatility allows it to grow well with a person from childhood into adulthood.
  13. Veil
    • Origin:

      English, word name
    • Description:

      The same stylish sounds as Vale, but with more secrecy.
  14. Velvet
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "a fabric characterized by a short soft dense warp pile"
    • Description:

      Velvet is a name that couldn't possibly be softer or more luxuriant. Many people have fond memories of it via the character of Velvet Brown, played by the young Elizabeth Taylor in National Velvet, an intrepid young woman willing to masquerade as a boy to race her horse in a dangerous steeplechase.
  15. Vendetta
    • Origin:

      Word Name
    • Description:

      A pretty word, but laced with violent imagery.
  16. Venus
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "love, desire"
    • Description:

      The name of a heavenly planet and the Roman goddess of beauty and love was an intimidating no-no until tennis champ Venus Williams put an athletic, modern spin on it.
  17. Verena
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "integrity"
    • Description:

      Verena is pleasant but old-fashioned. Whether that's the outdated kind of old-fashioned or the so-out-it's-in-again kind is your call.
  18. Verity
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "truth"
    • Description:

      If you love Puritan virtue names and want to move beyond Hope and Faith and Grace, this is a wonderful choice, both for its meaning and its sound. A rare find here, though occasionally heard in England. It was used in Winston Graham's Poldark novels, was Madonna's name as James Bond's fencing instructor in Die Another Day, and made a brief appearance in Harry Potter. Not to mention being a fixture on British and Australian soaps. Verity also appears in one of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple mysteries.
  19. Vermilion
    • Origin:

      Color name
    • Description:

      This vivid reddish orange color name is an undiscovered possibility -- kind of a female equivalent of Cerulean for boys.
  20. Vermillion
    • Description:

      Vermillion is an extremely rare feminine name derived from the vibrant red-orange pigment of the same name. The word ultimately comes from Latin 'vermiculum,' meaning 'little worm,' referring to the tiny insects (kermes) from which this crimson dye was originally made. As a given name, Vermillion falls into the category of color names, alongside more common choices like Scarlet or Ruby. However, Vermillion remains exceptionally uncommon, making it a truly distinctive choice. The name carries strong associations with creativity, boldness, and visual arts due to the pigment's historical importance in painting. Its four syllables and melodic quality give it a flowing, elaborate sound that contrasts with shorter color names, offering parents a dramatic and artistic choice that's virtually guaranteed to be unique.