Ever thought about naming your baby girl something that stands out from the crowd? Names that start with V might be just what you’re looking for!
These names have a special magic to them, they’re rare enough to be distinctive but familiar enough to be pronounceable. They’ve got that perfect balance of uniqueness without veering into the “too unusual” territory.
I’ve spent weeks researching the best V names for girls and honestly, I’ve fallen in love with so many of them. Whether you’re drawn to vintage classics like Violet and Victoria or searching for something more unexpected like Veda or Vale, there’s a V name with your daughter’s personality written all over it.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of girl names starting with V and find the perfect one for your little one!
Girl Names That Start With V
- Valentina (Latin origin) meaning “strong, healthy” – This gorgeous name has been climbing the charts steadily. I love how it sounds both romantic and strong at the same time.
- Victoria (Latin origin) meaning “victory” – A truly regal name with a powerful meaning! It’s been popular for centuries and was famously worn by the long-reigning British queen.
- Violet (Latin origin) meaning “purple flower” – This nature-inspired name has made a huge comeback in recent years. It’s fresh yet familiar, don’t you think?
- Vivian (Latin origin) meaning “full of life” – Such a vibrant name that literally embodies vitality! It has this lovely vintage quality while feeling completely modern.
- Vera (Slavic origin) meaning “faith” or “truth” – I’ve noticed this name making a serious comeback. There’s something so honest and straightforward about it.
- Vanessa (Literary invention) created by Jonathan Swift as a nickname derived from “Esther Vanhomrigh” – Fun fact: this name didn’t exist before the 18th century!
- Valerie (Latin origin) meaning “strength, health” – A consistently popular choice that never seems to go out of style.
- Veronica (Greek origin) meaning “she who brings victory” – This name has such a rich history, including the saint who wiped Jesus’s face with her veil.
- Venus (Roman mythology) goddess of love and beauty – Talk about setting your daughter up with a goddess-tier name!
- Vivienne (Latin origin) the French form of Vivian, meaning “alive, lively” – This elegant variation adds a touch of Parisian flair.
- Veda (Sanskrit origin) meaning “knowledge” or “wisdom” – A beautiful choice with spiritual significance.
- Vienna (Place name) from the beautiful Austrian capital city – Place names make such meaningful choices, especially if you have a connection to the location.
Looking for more incredible name inspiration? Check out our collection of flower usernames for more nature-inspired ideas.
Vibrant Girl Names Starting With V
- Valencia (Latin origin) meaning “strength, bravery” – Also the name of a beautiful Spanish city known for oranges. Double bonus!
- Vesper (Latin origin) meaning “evening star” – Doesn’t this just sound magical? It makes me think of twilight and shooting stars.
- Vida (Spanish origin) meaning “life” – Short, sweet, and packed with meaning. What’s not to love?
- Vega (Arabic origin) meaning “falling eagle” – Also the name of the brightest star in the Lyra constellation. Perfect for your little star!
- Viva (Latin origin) meaning “alive” – This name practically bubbles with energy and zest for life.
- Vittoria (Italian origin) Italian form of Victoria, meaning “victory” – I love how the double ‘t’ gives this name extra character.
- Viveca (Scandinavian origin) variant of Viveka, meaning “alive” – This unique Scandinavian twist on Vivian stands out beautifully.
- Valeska (Slavic origin) meaning “glorious ruler” – Has a powerful, almost royal ring to it, doesn’t it?
- Valora (Latin origin) derived from “valor,” meaning “bravery” – A strong name for a strong girl!
- Violetta (Italian origin) meaning “little violet” – This diminutive form adds a touch of sweetness to the classic Violet.
- Vashti (Persian origin) meaning “beautiful” or “goodness” – A biblical name with an exotic flair.
For more vibrant name options, take a peek at our aesthetic girl names collection!
Baby Girl Names Starting With V
- Vale (Latin origin) meaning “valley” – Nature names like this are really trending right now. TODAY anchor Savannah Guthrie chose this for her daughter!
- Verity (Latin origin) meaning “truth” – A beautiful virtue name that sounds both classic and fresh.
- Viviana (Latin origin) feminine form of Vivian, meaning “life” – This elaboration adds a romantic, flowing quality.
- Valkyrie (Norse origin) meaning “chooser of the slain” – From Norse mythology, these powerful female figures chose which warriors would live or die in battle. Pretty badass, right?
- Valen (Latin origin) shortened form of Valentine, meaning “strong, healthy” – This streamlined version feels modern and chic.
- Verbena (Latin origin) a flowering plant with purple blooms – Another gorgeous botanical option beyond the popular Violet.
- Velvet (English origin) from the luxurious fabric – Soft, luxurious, and unexpected. I’ve met one little Velvet and the name suited her perfectly.
- Verena (Latin origin) meaning “true” – This lesser-known name has a gentle, ethereal quality.
- Vesta (Roman mythology) goddess of hearth and home – A name with warmth and comfort built right in.
- Vivica (Scandinavian origin) variation of Viveka, meaning “alive” – Actress Vivica A. Fox has helped bring awareness to this unique name.
- Vivi (Latin origin) diminutive of names starting with “Viv-” like Vivian – This cute nickname can stand alone as a full name.
If you’re looking for more sweet options, browse our soft aesthetic usernames for inspiration that captures that same gentle vibe.
Popular V Names for Girls and Their Meanings
- Valentina (Latin origin) meaning “strong, healthy” – This name has international appeal and works in multiple languages!
- Victoria (Latin origin) meaning “victory” – Classic, regal, and consistently popular across decades.
- Violet (Latin origin) meaning “purple flower” – Currently the most popular V name for girls in the US, ranking in the top 20.
- Vivian (Latin origin) meaning “full of life” – Has been steadily climbing the charts since the early 2000s.
- Vanessa (Literary invention) created by Jonathan Swift – Peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 80s but remains well-known.
- Valerie (Latin origin) meaning “strength, health” – A consistent presence in the top 200 names for decades.
- Veronica (Greek origin) meaning “she who brings victory” – Popularized by Archie comics and various TV characters.
- Vivienne (Latin origin) meaning “alive, lively” – The French spelling has been trending upward, especially after Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt chose it for their daughter.
- Vienna (Place name) from the Austrian capital – Place names continue to rise in popularity.
- Vera (Slavic origin) meaning “faith” or “truth” – Making a strong comeback after falling out of favor for decades.
- Valeria (Latin origin) meaning “strength, health” – Especially popular in Hispanic communities.
For more popular name inspiration, check out our list of good squad names that might spark some creative ideas.
Unique V Names for Your Baby Girl
- Vesna (Slavic origin) meaning “spring” – A seasonal name with a refreshing feel.
- Viatrix (Latin origin) variation of Beatrix, meaning “voyager” – An unusual twist on a classic.
- Veda (Sanskrit origin) meaning “knowledge” or “wisdom” – Growing in popularity but still relatively rare.
- Vespera (Latin origin) meaning “evening” – A more elaborate alternative to Vesper.
- Vasilisa (Greek/Russian origin) meaning “royal” or “kingly” – A fairy tale name from Russian folklore.
- Vada (German origin) meaning “famous ruler” – You may remember this from the movie “My Girl.”
- Vevina (Scottish origin) meaning “sweet lady” – A melodic Scottish gem that’s virtually unknown in the US.
- Vivendel (Scandinavian origin) meaning “honeysuckle” – A beautiful flower name from the Nordic countries.
- Valora (Latin origin) from “valor,” meaning “bravery” – Rare but recognizable and meaningful.
- Viera (Slavic origin) variation of Vera, meaning “faith” – Common in Eastern Europe but unique in English-speaking countries.
- Varsha (Sanskrit origin) meaning “rain” – In Hindu tradition, associated with the rainy season.
If you love unique names, you might also enjoy browsing our collection of unique usernames for more distinctive inspiration.
Vibrant Girl Names That Start With V
- Vivienne (Latin origin) meaning “alive, lively” – The double ‘n’ and ‘e’ give this name extra elegance.
- Violetta (Italian origin) meaning “little violet” – Has a musical, dancing quality when pronounced.
- Valentina (Latin origin) meaning “strong, healthy” – The rolling syllables give this name movement and life.
- Viviana (Latin origin) meaning “life” – Those repeating ‘v’ sounds create such a vibrant feeling.
- Veronica (Greek origin) meaning “she who brings victory” – All those vowels make this name sing.
- Valencia (Latin origin) meaning “strength, bravery” – Reminds me of sunshine and orange groves.
- Vesper (Latin origin) meaning “evening star” – There’s something so magical and twinkling about this name.
- Viva (Latin origin) meaning “alive” – Could a name be more vibrant than one that literally means “alive”?
- Vittoria (Italian origin) meaning “victory” – The Italian pronunciation adds so much musical flair.
- Velvet (English origin) from the luxurious fabric – Rich in texture and feeling.
- Vega (Arabic origin) meaning “falling eagle” – Bright and stellar like the star it’s named for.
For more vibrant name possibilities, take a look at our creative usernames list for unique inspiration.
Baby Girl Names That Start With V
- Valerie (Latin origin) meaning “strength, health” – Classic and approachable with cute nickname options like Val.
- Vera (Slavic origin) meaning “faith” or “truth” – Simple yet meaningful.
- Violet (Latin origin) meaning “purple flower” – A nature name that’s both sweet and sophisticated.
- Vivian (Latin origin) meaning “full of life” – Has both vintage charm and modern appeal.
- Viola (Latin origin) meaning “violet flower” – Also a musical instrument! Shakespeare fans might recognize it from “Twelfth Night.”
- Venus (Roman mythology) goddess of love and beauty – A mythological option with celestial connections.
- Victoria (Latin origin) meaning “victory” – Timeless and regal with cute nicknames like Vicky or Tori.
- Vienna (Place name) from the Austrian capital – Beautiful city known for music and culture.
- Vanessa (Literary invention) created by Jonathan Swift – Has a flowing, romantic sound.
- Valentina (Latin origin) meaning “strong, healthy” – International appeal with Italian roots.
- Vale (Latin origin) meaning “valley” – Short, sweet, and connected to nature.
If you’re expecting, you might also want to check out bridal party names for future celebration inspiration!
V Names for Girls
- Vivian (Latin origin) meaning “full of life” – A name with vintage appeal that’s completely at home in modern times.
- Valeria (Latin origin) meaning “strength, health” – Popular in Spanish-speaking countries and growing elsewhere.
- Viola (Latin origin) meaning “violet flower” – Has both natural beauty and cultural connections.
- Verity (Latin origin) meaning “truth” – A virtue name with substance and style.
- Veda (Sanskrit origin) meaning “knowledge” or “wisdom” – Has spiritual depth from its connection to ancient Hindu texts.
- Vanna (Hebrew origin) shortened form of Giovanna, meaning “God is gracious” – Made familiar by TV personality Vanna White.
- Violeta (Spanish origin) meaning “violet” – The Spanish form adds a lovely lilt.
- Vita (Latin origin) meaning “life” – Short, punchy, and full of meaning.
- Vela (Latin origin) meaning “sail” – Also a constellation name!
- Varda (Hebrew origin) meaning “rose” – A floral name that’s less common than Rose or Lily.
- Viveca (Scandinavian origin) variant of Viveka, meaning “alive” – Has a crisp, distinctive sound.
For more name ideas, explore our art usernames collection for creative inspiration.
Cool / Cute Girl Names That Start With V
- Vivi (Latin origin) short form of Vivian, meaning “life” – Adorable nickname that works as a stand-alone.
- Vega (Arabic origin) meaning “falling eagle” – Also a bright star, which is pretty cool!
- Vale (Latin origin) meaning “valley” – Short, sweet, and nature-inspired.
- Vita (Latin origin) meaning “life” – Simple but packed with meaning.
- Vesper (Latin origin) meaning “evening star” – Has a mysterious, magical vibe.
- Vada (German origin) meaning “famous ruler” – Cute but uncommon.
- Velvet (English origin) from the luxurious fabric – Unique texture name with a soft sound.
- Vanna (Hebrew origin) short form of Giovanna – Simple and sweet.
- Vaya (Hebrew origin) meaning “beautiful” – Sounds like a casual “see ya” but with deeper meaning.
- Vivi (Latin origin) nickname for Vivian – So cute and playful!
- Vessa (Greek origin) short form of Vanessa – Fresh twist on a familiar name.
If you love cute names, you might also enjoy our cat usernames list for more adorable inspiration!
Traditional Girl Names That Start With V
- Victoria (Latin origin) meaning “victory” – A timeless classic associated with royalty.
- Valerie (Latin origin) meaning “strength, health” – Has been consistently popular for generations.
- Veronica (Greek origin) meaning “she who brings victory” – A traditional name with religious significance.
- Vivian (Latin origin) meaning “full of life” – Has been in use since medieval times.
- Viola (Latin origin) meaning “violet flower” – A traditional choice with Shakespearean connections.
- Virginia (Latin origin) meaning “maiden” or “virgin” – One of the original colonies and a classic name.
- Violet (Latin origin) meaning “purple flower” – A Victorian favorite making a strong comeback.
- Vera (Slavic origin) meaning “faith” or “truth” – Traditional in Eastern Europe and gaining popularity elsewhere.
- Vanessa (Literary invention) created by Jonathan Swift – Though relatively modern (18th century), it has established itself as a classic.
- Velma (German origin) meaning “determined protector” – Popular in the early 20th century.
- Verna (Latin origin) meaning “spring” – A vintage name popular in the early 1900s.
For more traditional inspiration, visit our vintage usernames collection to explore timeless options.
Uncommon Girl Names That Start With V
- Varya (Russian origin) diminutive of Varvara, meaning “stranger” or “foreigner” – Charming Russian name rarely heard in the West.
- Velouria (Latin-inspired) elaboration of Velour – An invented name with a luxurious sound.
- Vivendel (Scandinavian origin) meaning “honeysuckle” – A beautiful floral name almost unknown outside Scandinavia.
- Vespera (Latin origin) meaning “evening” – Poetic and unusual.
- Verity (Latin origin) meaning “truth” – While recognized, it’s still quite uncommon.
- Vasilia (Greek origin) feminine form of Vasili, meaning “royal” – Exotic with royal connotations.
- Vedette (French origin) meaning “sentry” or “star performer” – Has a theatrical flair.
- Virelai (French origin) from a medieval French verse form – Literary and musical.
- Varvara (Greek/Russian origin) meaning “stranger” or “foreigner” – The Russian form of Barbara.
- Volante (Latin/French origin) meaning “flying” – Unusual name with a sense of freedom.
- Verbena (Latin origin) flowering plant with purple blooms – A botanical option that’s recognized but rarely used.
For more unique options, check out our fairy usernames list for enchanting inspiration.
The Rising Popularity of V Names for Girls
Did you know that V is actually considered “the most fashionable letter in America” by baby name experts? It’s true! According to name expert Laura Wattenberg, creator of Namerology, V has a certain sophistication that parents are increasingly drawn to.
What makes V names so special? For starters, they’re relatively uncommon as first letters—only about 1% of all girls’ names start with V. But the letter itself appears frequently inside popular names like Olivia, Ava, and Evelyn. This creates an interesting situation where V names feel both familiar and fresh at the same time.
The sound itself carries a certain elegance. Unlike harsher letters like X or Z that can feel aggressive, V has a softer, more sophisticated vibe that works beautifully for girls’ names. It’s distinctive without trying too hard—exactly what many parents are looking for today.
Here’s how V names stack up against other initial letters in popularity:
| Rank | Initial Letter | Approximate % of Girls’ Names |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | 12% |
| 2 | E | 9% |
| 3 | M | 8% |
| … | … | … |
| 19 | V | 1% |
This rarity factor is a huge selling point for parents who want something special without choosing a completely unheard-of name.
Looking for more distinctive name options? Check out our collection of soft aesthetic usernames for more inspiration.
Most Popular V Names for Girls in 2024-2025
If you’re curious about which V names are trending right now, I’ve got you covered! Based on the latest data from the Social Security Administration and popular baby naming sites, these are the V names that parents are choosing most frequently:
- Violet – Currently the undisputed queen of V names, ranking 16th overall in the US (2023 data)
- Victoria – A timeless classic that’s been in the top 100 since 1981
- Valentina – Rising rapidly in popularity, especially among bilingual families
- Vivian/Vivienne – Both spellings are trending, with the French version gaining ground
- Vera – Making a remarkable comeback after decades of declining popularity
- Valerie – A steady favorite that never seems to go completely out of style
- Vanessa – Slightly declining but still a well-recognized choice
- Venus – Gaining popularity as mythological names trend upward
- Viola – Getting renewed attention partly thanks to actress Viola Davis
- Veronica – Holding steady with its classic appeal
What’s interesting is how many of these names have experienced revivals. Violet and Vera, for instance, were popular in the early 1900s, fell out of favor for decades, and are now back with a vengeance. It goes to show that name cycles really do exist!
TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie made headlines when she named her daughter Vale in 2014—a V name that means “valley by a stream.” Though not in the top 10 yet, Vale represents the kind of nature-inspired V names that are gaining momentum.
“When choosing a name for our daughter, we wanted something unique but not kooky or so weird,” Guthrie explained, echoing the sentiment of many parents drawn to the letter V.
Beautiful Classic V Names for Girls
If you love names with history and staying power, these classic V options might be perfect for your little girl:
Victoria
The name Victoria literally means “victory” in Latin. It’s been associated with royalty for centuries, most notably Queen Victoria who ruled the British Empire for 63 years. It has a formal elegance but also offers cute nicknames like Vicky, Tori, or Vic.
Vivian
Derived from the Latin “vivus” meaning “alive” or “living,” Vivian peaked in popularity in the 1920s before making a stunning comeback in recent years. It feels both vintage and completely modern at the same time.
Valerie
With French origins meaning “strong” or “brave,” Valerie has been consistently popular for decades without ever feeling overused. It strikes that perfect balance between familiar and fresh.
Veronica
This name has fascinating origins—it comes from the Latin phrase “vera icon” meaning “true image,” referring to Saint Veronica who wiped Jesus’s face with her veil. It’s been a steady presence on the naming charts for generations.
Virginia
Meaning “maiden” or “virgin,” Virginia was incredibly popular in the early 20th century and remains a dignified classic. It honors the state named after Elizabeth I, the “Virgin Queen.”
What makes these classics so enduring? They have rich histories, clear pronunciations, and a certain timeless quality that means your daughter won’t be one of five kids with the same name in her class, but her name will still be recognized and respected.
For more classic inspiration, browse our collection of vintage usernames that capture that same timeless appeal.
Unique and Rare V Names That Stand Out
Looking for something more unexpected? These rare V names might be just what you’re searching for:
Veda
This Sanskrit name meaning “knowledge” or “wisdom” is still relatively uncommon in the US but has a beautiful, spiritual quality.
Vienne
Inspired by the French city of Vienna, this elegant name offers a subtle twist on the more common Vienna.
Vesper
Meaning “evening star” in Latin, Vesper has a mysterious, whispery quality that’s gaining attention.
Valkyrie
Drawn from Norse mythology, this powerful name refers to the female figures who chose which warriors would die in battle and which would live.
Vega
The name of the brightest star in the northern constellation of Lyra, Vega has astronomical connections and a sleek, modern sound.
Verity
This virtue name meaning “truth” is more popular in the UK than the US, making it a distinctive choice for American parents.
Vashti
A biblical name with Persian origins, Vashti appears in the Book of Esther and means “beautiful” or “goodness.”
Valencia
Meaning “brave, strong” and also the name of a beautiful city in Spain, Valencia offers lots of nickname possibilities like Val or Lena.
These names share a certain boldness—they’re distinctive without being difficult to spell or pronounce. They make a statement while still feeling accessible. And isn’t that the perfect combination for a modern girl?
“Parents today are increasingly drawn to names with character and meaning,” one naming consultant told me. “A unique V name can give your daughter both distinction and depth.”
V Names With Powerful Meanings
If you want your daughter’s name to carry significant meaning, consider these V names with powerful definitions:
- Victoire: The French form of Victoria, directly meaning “victory”
- Valentia: Latin for “strength” or “vigor”
- Valeska: A Slavic name meaning “glorious ruler”
- Vidya: Sanskrit for “knowledge” or “learning”
- Verina: Latin origin meaning “truth”
- Valda: German for “power” or “rule”
- Valora: From valor, meaning “bravery” or “strength of mind”
- Varsha: Indian name meaning “rain” or “showering of blessings”
Choosing a name with a strong meaning can be like giving your daughter an affirmation she’ll carry throughout her life. These names don’t just sound beautiful—they contain aspirational qualities you might hope to see in your child.
I love the idea of a little girl named Valentia growing up knowing her name literally means “strength.” Or imagine a Vidya embracing her natural curiosity because her name celebrates knowledge and wisdom.
For more empowering name ideas, explore our list of strong girl names that convey power and resilience.
V Names Inspired by Nature
Nature-inspired names are huge right now, and the letter V offers some gorgeous options in this category:
Floral & Botanical V Names:
- Violet – The purple flower and color name
- Verbena – A flowering plant with purple-blue blooms
- Vine – Simple and natural
- Vervain – A wildflower with tiny purple blossoms
- Vinca – A flowering plant also known as periwinkle
Geographical V Names:
- Vale – A valley, often with a river running through it
- Vienna – The beautiful Austrian capital city
- Venice – The romantic Italian city of canals
- Valencia – Spanish coastal city known for oranges
- Vermont – The verdant US state
Celestial & Atmospheric V Names:
- Vega – One of the brightest stars in the night sky
- Venus – The second planet from the sun and goddess of love
- Vesper – The evening star or twilight
- Vaia – Means “water” in some Polynesian languages
- Vista – A beautiful view or outlook
Nature names connect your child to the natural world and often carry positive associations of beauty, growth, and harmony. As environmental consciousness grows, these names feel increasingly meaningful to many parents.
“We named our daughter Violet not just because we loved the sound, but because we wanted her connected to something beautiful from nature,” shared one mom I interviewed. “Every time she sees the flower, there’s a little extra connection.”
Cultural V Names From Around the World
One of the most exciting aspects of V names is their global diversity. Let’s take a tour of V names from different cultures:
Spanish & Latin American V Names
- Valentina – Increasingly popular crossover name
- Valeria – Elegant with Latin roots
- Vida – Means “life” in Spanish
- Viridiana – Refers to the color green
- Violeta – The Spanish form of Violet
French V Names
- Vivienne – More elaborate form of Vivian
- Volante – Means “flying”
- Victoire – French form of Victoria
- Veronique – French version of Veronica
- Vianne – Gentle and sophisticated
Italian V Names
- Vittoria – Italian form of Victoria
- Venezia – Italian word for Venice
- Viola – The flower and musical instrument
- Valentina – Common in Italy as well as Spain
- Veronica – Popular across Italian families
Scandinavian V Names
- Vigdis – Old Norse name meaning “war goddess”
- Vendela – Swedish name with Germanic roots
- Viva – Means “alive” in Swedish
- Vaila – Scottish/Norse name meaning “from the battlefield”
- Varda – Norse name meaning “guardian”
Slavic V Names
- Vera – Means “faith” in Russian
- Vesna – Means “spring” in several Slavic languages
- Vaska – Diminutive form of Vasilisa
- Vladimira – Feminine form of Vladimir
- Vanya – Feminine version of Ivan in some contexts
Indian & Sanskrit V Names
- Veda – Means “knowledge”
- Vidya – Means “learning” or “knowledge”
- Vashti – Persian name from Indian tradition
- Vaishnavi – One who follows Vishnu
- Vibha – Means “bright” or “shining”
This global variety means you can choose a V name that honors your family’s heritage or a culture you admire. With international connections becoming increasingly important, a name with global recognition can be a wonderful gift.
If you’re interested in names from specific cultures, check out our collections of Japanese group team names or Spanish group team names for more culturally diverse inspiration.
Short & Sweet V Names
Sometimes the simplest names make the biggest impact. These short V names pack a punch in just a few letters:
- Via – Means “road” or “way”
- Val – Can stand alone or be short for Valerie, Valencia, etc.
- Viv – Spunky shortening of Vivian
- Vita – Means “life”
- Veda – Sanskrit name that flows beautifully
- Vana – Means “gracious” in several languages
- Vega – Astronomical name with just two syllables
- Vera – Classic simplicity
- Vale – Nature name with gentle sound
- Vail – Mountain resort town with a cool vibe
In our busy world, these short names offer simplicity and clarity. They’re easy to spell, pronounce, and remember—but they still sound complete and distinctive.
I especially love how these shorter names pair beautifully with longer middle names or last names. A short first name like Viv or Vale gives your daughter room to expand if she wants a more elaborate name, or she can embrace the simplicity of her short, sweet name.
“We chose Viv for our daughter because we wanted something with personality that wouldn’t get shortened,” one parent explained. “It’s already as short as it can be, and it has so much life in just one syllable.”
Vintage V Names Making a Comeback
Fashion is cyclical, and that applies to baby names too! These vintage V names are experiencing renewed interest after years of declining use:
Vera
After falling out of the top 1000 for decades, Vera has made an impressive comeback. Popular in the early 1900s, this name meaning “faith” feels both antique and fresh.
Violet
Another early 20th century favorite, Violet disappeared from the top charts for years before surging back to become one of the most popular V names today.
Vivian
This name has bounced in and out of fashion for a century. Its current popularity proves the 100-year rule of name cycles—names often return to popularity about 100 years after their previous peak.
Valerie
A steady presence since the 1940s, Valerie never completely disappeared but has seen varying levels of use through the decades.
Virginia
Once a top 10 name in the 1920s, Virginia had fallen from favor but is seeing renewed interest among parents looking for dignified classics.
Verna
This nature name meaning “spring” was once common but became rare by the 1980s. It’s now being rediscovered by parents seeking genuine vintage options.
Velma
Most familiar to many as the Scooby-Doo character, Velma was actually quite popular in the 1910s and ’20s. It’s the perfect example of a name that’s “so out it’s in.”
These vintage revivals offer the best of both worlds—they have history and staying power, but they’ll likely be unique in your daughter’s generation. They’re familiar enough that people recognize them, but unusual enough to stand out.
For more retro name inspiration, explore our vintage usernames collection that captures that same timeless appeal.
Celebrity-Inspired V Names
Celebrities have certainly influenced the popularity of various V names over the years:
- Violet – Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck named their daughter Violet, helping propel this name back into the spotlight
- Vivienne – Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie chose this French version for one of their twins
- Vale – TODAY anchor Savannah Guthrie selected this nature name for her daughter
- Vida – Matthew McConaughey named his daughter Vida, meaning “life” in Spanish
- Valentina – Several celebrities including Salma Hayek and Ricky Martin have chosen this name
Beyond celebrity babies, famous women with V names have kept these names in the public consciousness:
- Victoria Beckham – The former Spice Girl turned fashion designer
- Viola Davis – The Oscar-winning actress
- Vanessa Hudgens – The actress and singer
- Vera Wang – The renowned fashion designer
- Venus Williams – The tennis superstar
Media characters have also influenced V name popularity. From Veronica Mars to Violet Baudelaire in “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” fictional V-named characters have introduced these names to new generations.
But here’s my advice: while celebrity connections can introduce you to names you might not have considered, choose a name you genuinely love rather than following a trend. Today’s red-hot celebrity choice might feel dated in a decade, but a name you personally connect with will always feel right.
How to Choose the Perfect V Name
Finding the ideal V name involves balancing several factors. Here are some tips to guide your decision:
Consider sound and flow
- Say the full name (first, middle, last) out loud
- Think about potential nicknames
- Notice how it pairs with your last name
- Consider sibling names if you have other children
Think about meaning and associations
- Research the name’s definition and origin
- Consider cultural connections
- Think about literary or historical namesakes
- Reflect on personal associations with the name
Test it in real scenarios
- Try the “playground test” (imagine calling it across a playground)
- Do the “resume test” (imagine it on a job application)
- Write it out to see how it looks
- Ask trusted friends for honest feedback
Practical considerations
- Check for problematic initials
- Consider potential misspellings or mispronunciations
- Think about how it will grow with your child
- Make sure both parents feel good about the choice
Remember, the perfect name strikes a balance between uniqueness and usability. You want something special, but not something that will be a burden for your child.
I love the approach one family took: they narrowed their list to three V names, wrote them on separate pieces of paper, and carried them around for a week. Whichever name they found themselves saying most often became their daughter’s name. Simple but effective!
For more naming inspiration, check out our collection of beautiful group names that might spark some ideas.
Final Thoughts
V names for girls offer that perfect sweet spot—they’re distinctive without being outlandish, elegant without being pretentious. Whether you’re drawn to the Victorian charm of Violet, the strength of Valentina, or the celestial beauty of Vega, there’s a V name out there that could be the perfect fit for your daughter.
What I find most fascinating about V names is their versatility. They span cultures, time periods, and styles while maintaining that special V quality that makes them stand out. From the classic Victoria to the innovative Vesper, these names carry a certain magic.
As baby name expert Laura Wattenberg noted, V is “the most fashionable letter in America”—and for good reason. It brings sophistication and character to any name it begins.
So as you consider the perfect name for your little girl, don’t overlook the wonderful world of V names. That perfect combination of letters might be waiting there, ready to become your daughter’s lifelong identity.
Looking for more name inspiration? Explore our team names for girls for additional ideas to consider.
Greetings, I’m Alex – an expert in the art of naming teams, groups or brands, and businesses. With years of experience as a consultant for some of the most recognized companies out there, I want to pass on my knowledge and share tips that will help you craft an unforgettable name for your project through TeamGroupNames.Com!