Valentin

Valentín is the Spanish form of Valentino, from the Latin Valentinus, an Old Roman family name originating as a nickname from the adjective “valens” meaning “healthy, strong”. Most people are well aware of the person most associated with this name: that would be St. Valentine whose Feast Day is celebrated on, you guessed it, February 14th. In truth, not much is known about this 3rd century saint, but his cult and legends grew extensively in the later Middle Ages. He was remembered and venerated as an early martyr, beheaded during the persecutions of the Roman Emperor Claudius II for overseeing the marriage of Christian couples, and also for (gasp) having the audacity to attempt to convert the Emperor himself to Christianity. He was also credited with curing a little girl of her blindness. After he was arrested and sentenced to execution for practicing Christianity, it was said Valentine sent the little girl a note signed “from Your Valentine” enclosed with yellow flowers (which was the first thing the young girl saw as her eyesight was miraculously restored). As the patron saint of love, young people and happy marriages, Valentine is most associated with the notions of romantic and chivalric love. His patronage also has jurisdiction over squabbles which commonly arise among sweethearts. The Italians use Valentino, the English Valentine and the Spanish use Valentín. However, we should mention that Valentin (without the accent mark over the i) is also the spelling used among the French, Germans and Russians as well as many Slavic people. Valentino, Valentina and Valentin are all experiencing a bit of a revival throughout Europe right now. Valentin, for example, is a Top 50 favorite in Austria and France.