Valeria is a feminine given name with Latin origins, derived from the Roman family name Valerius. This name can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was borne by members of the gens Valeria, one of the oldest and most distinguished patrician families in the Roman Republic.

The name Valerius is believed to be derived from the Latin word "valere," meaning "to be strong" or "to be well." This connection suggests that the name Valeria was initially associated with strength, health, and wellness. In ancient Rome, names often carried symbolic meanings and were meant to convey positive traits or aspirations for the child.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Valeria appears in Roman historical texts, where it was mentioned as the name of a Roman woman who lived during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD). This early reference indicates that the name was in use during the Roman Imperial period.

Throughout the centuries, several notable historical figures have borne the name Valeria. One of the most famous was Valeria Messalina (c. 17 - 48 AD), the third wife of the Roman emperor Claudius. She was known for her notorious and scandalous behavior, which ultimately led to her execution.

Another prominent figure was Valeria Caecilia Secundina (c. 305 - 365 AD), a Roman Christian who lived during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great. She was venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church for her piety and charitable works.

In the Middle Ages, the name Valeria was used by several European noblewomen, including Valeria of Aquitaine (c. 1011 - 1076), the wife of Robert I, Duke of Burgundy, and Valeria of Vergy (c. 1079 - 1144), a French noblewoman and crusader.

During the Renaissance period, the name Valeria gained popularity in Italy, where it was borne by several notable figures, including Valeria Piccolomini (1556 - 1648), an Italian noblewoman and patron of the arts, and Valeria Morati (1622 - 1692), an Italian scholar and writer.

In more recent history, the name Valeria has been associated with several influential women, such as Valeria Golino (born 1965), an Italian actress and filmmaker, and Valeria Luiselli (born 1983), a Mexican writer and academic.