Valeria

Valeria is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is the feminine form of Valerius, itself derived from the Latin verb valere, meaning to be strong, healthy, or capable. The name has circulated in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Romania, and other parts of Europe for centuries and has spread to the wider world through literature, religion, and immigration. Variants include Valeriia in Ukrainian and Valeriya in some Slavic languages, among others.

Historically, the name appears in classical Rome as part of the Valeria gens, and in early Christian tradition as several saints named Valeria. The persistence of the name through the medieval and early modern periods helped it become a staple in many European naming traditions.

In contemporary usage, Valeria remains common in Italy and Spanish-speaking countries, and is widely used in Latin America. Notable people named Valeria include Italian actress Valeria Golino, Italian-French actress and filmmaker Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, and Ukrainian model Valeria Lukyanova. The name also appears in literature and film as a character name and continues to be chosen for its classical, timeless associations.

Related names include Valerius and Valerio; the name Valeria may be used in various cultures with different spellings and pronunciations. As a given name, it carries connotations of vitality and strength, reflecting its Latin roots.