Find out how popular the first name Valeska has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Valeska by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Valeska is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 18 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Valeska.

The history of the first name Valeska

The name Valeska originated from the Latin word "valens," which means "strong" or "vigorous." It is a feminine form of the male name Valerius, which was a common Roman family name. The name gained popularity during the Roman Empire, where it was given to girls born into prominent Roman families.

In the early centuries of the Christian era, the name Valeska became associated with the Latin word "valere," meaning "to be well" or "to be healthy." As a result, the name took on connotations of health, vitality, and well-being. It was commonly used in various regions of Europe, particularly in areas influenced by Roman culture and the Latin language.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Valeska can be found in the 4th century, when a Roman noblewoman named Valeska was mentioned in historical records. She was a prominent figure in her time and was known for her patronage of the arts and her charitable works.

During the Middle Ages, the name Valeska maintained its popularity, particularly among the nobility and upper classes. Several notable figures bore this name, including Valeska of Bavaria (1090-1165), a German princess renowned for her piety and charitable deeds, and Valeska of Aragon (1245-1302), a Spanish noblewoman and patron of the arts.

In the Renaissance era, the name Valeska gained further popularity and was associated with strength, courage, and resilience. One of the most famous figures to bear this name was Valeska Bavier (1501-1567), a French noblewoman who played a significant role in the court of King Francis I and was known for her intelligence and diplomatic skills.

Another notable Valeska was Valeska Gert (1892-1978), a German dancer and actress who was a pioneering figure in the world of avant-garde performance art. Her bold and unconventional style challenged traditional norms and influenced generations of artists and performers.

In the 20th century, the name Valeska was revived and gained a new wave of popularity. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Valeska Suratt (1882-1962), an American actress and vaudeville performer known for her risqué and controversial performances.

While the name Valeska is not as common today as it once was, it continues to be used in various parts of the world, particularly in regions with strong Latin or Roman cultural influences. Its enduring appeal lies in its rich history, its associations with strength and vitality, and its unique and melodic sound.

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 Valeska was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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