Skip Ancestry main menuMain MenuAncestry
HomeTreesSearchDNAHelpExtras
Sign In
Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
  • Support Centre
  • Ancestry Blog
  • About Us
  • Site Map
  • Gift Memberships
  • Careers
    • Ancestry Corporate
    • Fold3.com
    • ForcesWarRecords.com
    • Geneanet.org
    • Newspapers.com
    • ProGenealogists.com
    • RootsWeb.com
  • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
Group of people

Meaning of the first name Valerian

Origin

Slavic

Meaning

Strength

Variations

Valeria, Valeriya, Valerie
The name Valerian traces its origins to the Slavic language and derives from the word valer, meaning strength. This Slavic name has resonated through history with its powerful connotation. In ancient times, Valerian was notably associated with the Roman emperor Valerianus, who reigned during the 3rd century AD. Valerianus, renowned for his military prowess, was an esteemed figure in Roman history. His name became synonymous with strength and leadership, embodying the qualities that the name Valerian came to represent.

In modern-day usage, the name Valerian continues to carry its ancient significance. Although not as common as some other names, Valerian is still chosen by parents worldwide for its strong and noble attributes. It is a name that conveys the idea of fortitude, resilience, and determination. In addition, Valerian has found its way into various cultural forms, such as literature and film. For instance, Valerian has been used as a character name in science fiction novels and movies, further emphasizing its association with strength and power. Overall, the name Valerian stands as a testament to its ancient Slavic roots, remaining a timeless symbol of strength in both history and contemporary usage.

Based on our records...

Helen

Helen

This is the most common name of those married to a Valerian.
Joseph

Joseph

This is the most common name for a child of a Valerian.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

What are you curious about?

Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
Start a free trial
Order AncestryDNA
calendar.webp
Based on our records...

Did you know?

1923 is when there were the most people born with the first name Valerian.

Explore the origins of another name.