valen

Valen is a name used as both a given name and a surname in various cultures. It is most often masculine in usage, though as a short form or variant it can appear in feminine forms in some languages. The etymology traces to the Latin Valens, meaning strong, healthy, or powerful. It is closely related to names such as Valentin, Valentine, and Valentina, and may be chosen for its concise, international sound.

Usage varies by region. In English-speaking contexts, Valen commonly appears as a masculine given name or as a surname. In other European languages, it may occur as a stand-alone given name or as a shortened form of longer names. The spelling Valen is also found in some Baltic and Slavic naming traditions as a surname or given name, reflecting shared roots with Valens and related forms.

Notable bearers include individuals from diverse fields who use Valen as a first or last name; the name does not point to a single dominant figure in contemporary usage. In fiction and media, Valen has been adopted by authors and creators for characters or place names, reflecting its flexible, cross-cultural resonance.

Related names include Valentin, Valentina, Valence, and Valens.