Find out how popular the first name Valor has been for the last 36 years (from 1988 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Valor by gender

Based on the last 36 years of data, Valor is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 89% of people named Valor being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 122 male babies and 18 female babies born with the name Valor.

The history of the first name Valor

The name Valor originates from the Late Latin word "valor" which means "worth, vigor, or courage." It first emerged in the Romance languages of Europe in the late Middle Ages, around the 13th or 14th century. The name has strong associations with bravery, strength, and valiant deeds.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Valor dates back to the 14th century, when it was used as a surname for a knight or soldier who exhibited exceptional valor in battle. In 1374, a knight named Valor de Valencia was mentioned in the chronicles of the Kingdom of Aragon for his heroic actions during a military campaign.

During the Renaissance period, the name Valor gained popularity among the nobility and upper classes, who often named their sons with virtuous names that reflected their aspirations for valor and courage. In Italy, the humanist scholar and poet Valor Borghese (1490-1556) was a well-known figure in the court of Pope Leo X.

In England, the name Valor was occasionally used during the 16th and 17th centuries, although it was relatively uncommon. One notable bearer of the name was Valor Browne (1585-1659), an English lawyer and member of Parliament during the reign of King Charles I.

In the 19th century, the name Valor gained some popularity in France, where it was associated with the ideals of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Valor Hugo (1802-1885), a French poet and dramatist who was the son of the renowned writer Victor Hugo.

Another notable figure named Valor was Valor Pérez (1865-1936), a Spanish military officer and colonial administrator who served as the Governor-General of the Spanish West Indies in the early 20th century.

While the name Valor has never been extremely common, it has maintained a presence throughout history, particularly in cultures where valor and bravery were highly esteemed virtues. The name's strong and inspiring meaning has ensured its enduring appeal across various regions and time periods.

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

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

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