Valo first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Valo has been for the last 19 years (from 2005 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Valo

A masculine name of Finnish origin meaning "light" or "luminous".

Popularity of Valo by gender

Based on the last 19 years of data, Valo is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Valo.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 5 0
2008 6 0
2005 5 0

The history of the first name Valo

The given name Valo is of Finnish origin, derived from the word "valo," which means "light" or "illumination" in the Finnish language. This name can be traced back to the early days of Finnish culture and has been used for centuries.

In Finnish mythology, Valo was associated with the goddess of light and warmth, representing the sun and its life-giving properties. The name was often bestowed upon children with the hope that they would bring brightness and joy to their families and communities.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Valo can be found in the Kalevala, the national epic of Finland, which dates back to the 19th century. The epic poem mentions Valo as a character representing the light of the sun and its importance in Finnish folklore.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Valo. One of the most renowned was Valo Armas Närhi (1888-1960), a Finnish politician and diplomat who served as the Prime Minister of Finland from 1944 to 1945, during the latter stages of World War II.

Another prominent figure was Valo Evert Nurmi (1897-1973), a legendary Finnish long-distance runner and one of the most successful athletes in Olympic history. He won nine gold medals and three silver medals across three Olympic Games (1920, 1924, and 1928), setting numerous world records in various track events.

In the field of literature, Valo Siikava (1907-1986) was a Finnish author and poet known for his works that explored the themes of nature, love, and the human experience. His poetry collections, such as "Ruusujen Aika" (The Time of Roses), gained widespread acclaim and established him as a prominent figure in Finnish literature.

The name Valo also appeared in the arts, with Valo Syvä (1920-1996) being a notable Finnish painter and sculptor. His abstract and expressionist works were widely exhibited and celebrated, earning him recognition both nationally and internationally.

Lastly, Valo Isohämäläinen (1943-2009) was a Finnish actor and comedian who gained popularity for his roles in various television shows and films. His comedic talents and ability to portray a wide range of characters made him a beloved figure in Finnish entertainment.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Valo throughout history, each leaving a lasting impact in their respective fields and contributing to the rich cultural heritage of Finland.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!

"Valo first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 9, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/valo-meaning-and-history/.

"Valo first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/valo-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 9 May, 2025

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

Search for a name

Search for a first or last name to learn more about its origin, meaning, and more.

Simple as that.