Valli first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Valli has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Valli

A Telugu feminine name referring to a creeping vine plant.

Popularity of Valli by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Valli 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 Valli.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 18
2022 0 5
2021 0 5
2020 0 6
2019 0 5
2018 0 6
2015 0 5
2010 0 7
2009 0 5
1981 0 5
1980 0 5
1978 0 8
1976 0 6

The history of the first name Valli

The name Valli has its origins in ancient India, where it was derived from the Sanskrit word "valli," meaning "creeper" or "climbing plant." This name was likely given to children as a symbol of growth, resilience, and strength, much like the tendrils of a vine.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Valli can be found in Hindu mythology, where it was the name of a celestial nymph or apsara. According to legend, the beautiful Valli was married to the sage Vishvamitra and played a significant role in various ancient texts, including the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

In Tamil literature, the name Valli is associated with a iconic story from the Sangam period (300 BCE to 300 CE). The epic poem "Silappadikaram" features a character named Valli, who is a chaste and virtuous woman known for her unwavering devotion to her husband.

Throughout history, the name Valli has been borne by several notable individuals. One of the earliest was Valli Arunachalam (1892-1980), an Indian freedom fighter and social reformer who worked tirelessly for women's education and empowerment in the early 20th century.

Another notable Valli was Valli Sumathi (1934-2022), an acclaimed Indian classical dancer and choreographer who played a pivotal role in popularizing Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, both in India and around the world.

In the realm of music, Valli Kodaly (1923-1987) was a Hungarian composer and educator who made significant contributions to music education through her innovative teaching methods and compositions for children.

Valli Kemp (1924-2020) was an American artist and illustrator best known for her vibrant and whimsical children's book illustrations, including those for the popular "Corduroy" series.

Lastly, Valli Akalanka (born 1990) is a contemporary Sri Lankan actress and model who has gained recognition for her roles in various television series and films in Sri Lanka and India.

These are just a few examples of the diverse individuals who have borne the name Valli throughout history, highlighting its enduring presence across various cultures and disciplines.

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

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

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"Valli first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 20, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/valli-meaning-and-history/.

"Valli first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/valli-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 20 June, 2025

Valli first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/valli-meaning-and-history/.

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