Find out how popular the first name Valena has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Valena by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Valena is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Valena.

The history of the first name Valena

The given name Valena has its origins in the Latin language, stemming from the root word "valens," which means "strong" or "healthy." It is believed to have emerged during the Roman era, around the 1st century AD, and was initially prevalent in regions that were part of the Roman Empire, particularly in Italy, Spain, and parts of modern-day France.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Valena can be found in ancient Roman texts, where it was occasionally used as a feminine variant of the masculine name Valerius. However, it did not gain widespread popularity until the Middle Ages, when it started appearing more frequently in various European regions.

During the medieval period, the name Valena was particularly popular among the nobility and upper classes in parts of Italy and Spain. It was often associated with strength, courage, and resilience, traits that were highly valued in those times. In some instances, the name was also linked to religious connotations, as it shared linguistic roots with the Latin word "valere," meaning "to be well" or "to thrive."

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Valena. One of the earliest recorded examples is Valena of Cisterno (c. 1100 - c. 1170), an Italian noblewoman and abbess who played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of her region. Another prominent figure was Valena de Dueñas (c. 1290 - c. 1355), a Spanish mystic and author who wrote extensively on spiritual matters.

In the 16th century, Valena Spinelli (1530 - 1592) was a renowned Italian painter and engraver, known for her intricate works that often depicted religious scenes and portraits. During the same period, Valena Napolitano (1545 - 1618) was an Italian poet and scholar who gained recognition for her poetic works and contributions to the literary circles of her time.

In more recent history, Valena Leoni (1875 - 1962) was an Italian stage actress and filmmaker who became a prominent figure in the early years of Italian cinema. She is particularly remembered for her roles in several silent films and for her collaborations with renowned directors of the era.

While the name Valena has maintained a presence throughout history, it has not been as widely used as some other names of Latin origin. However, its connection to strength, resilience, and well-being has endured, making it a unique and meaningful choice for those seeking a name with deep historical roots and cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Valena was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Valena, please contact us.

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