Valentino

Valentino is a masculine given name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin Valentinus, meaning healthy, strong, or vigorous. It is used in Italy and other countries, and it can also appear as a surname. The name has historical resonance in Italian culture and in popular culture.

Notable people and uses include Rudolph Valentino, a prominent silent-film actor of the 1920s who helped shape the “Latin lover” archetype; Valentino Garavani, the Italian fashion designer and founder of the luxury house Valentino S.p.A.; and Valentino Rossi, an Italian former professional motorcycle racer and multiple MotoGP World Champion. The name also appears in media, such as the 1977 biographical drama Valentino about Rudolph Valentino.

In fashion, Valentino refers to the Valentino brand, founded in 1960 in Rome by Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti. The house is known for refined couture, elegant womenswear, and its signature Valentino red. It has expanded into fragrances, accessories, and eyewear, maintaining a global network of boutiques.

The name is etymologically linked to Saint Valentine, a Christian saint associated with February 14. While primarily a given name, Valentino remains in contemporary use as a surname and is encountered in various cultural contexts.