The name Valentine derives from the Latin name Valentinus, which was a Roman family name derived from the Latin word valens, meaning "strong" or "vigorous." The name rose to prominence during the late Roman Empire and early Christian era.

The name is associated with a popular early Christian saint and martyr named Valentine, who lived in the 3rd century AD. According to legend, Valentine was a priest in Rome who secretly married couples when marriage was banned by the Roman emperor. He was martyred for his defiance and later became one of the most popular saints in Christianity.

The name Valentine first appeared in written records as early as the 5th century AD, with mentions in Christian texts and martyrologies. It gained popularity as a Christian name during the Middle Ages, particularly in Western Europe, where the cult of Saint Valentine became widespread.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Valentine was Pope Valentine, who served as the Pope of the Catholic Church from 827 to 828 AD. Another notable figure was Valentine of Terni, a 3rd-century Christian martyr who was executed during the persecution of Christians under the Roman emperor Aurelian.

In the 12th century, a French poet named Valentine de Narbonne wrote a popular work called "The Passion of Valentine," which further popularized the name and its association with romantic love. This connection with love and romance has endured through modern times, making the name a popular choice for children born around February 14th, known as Valentine's Day.

Other notable historical figures with the name Valentine include Valentine Hollingsworth (1632-1711), an early settler in colonial America, and Valentine Baker (1888-1976), a British soldier and military theorist. In the world of literature, Valentine Browne (1698-1789) was an Irish poet and playwright, while Valentine Haüy (1745-1822) was a French educator known for his work with the blind.