Valois is a rare and unique given name of French origin. It is derived from the French word "valois," which means "of the valley." The name is believed to have been popularized by the House of Valois, a prominent royal dynasty that ruled France during the late Middle Ages.
The House of Valois was founded by Charles of Valois, who was a brother of King Philip III of France. The dynasty began its rule in 1328 when Philip VI, grandson of Charles, became king after the male line of the previous Capetian dynasty ended. The Valois kings ruled France until the extinction of the male line in 1589, with the assassination of Henry III.
Despite its royal connections, Valois is not a common name today and is rarely used as a given name. However, for those who choose to bear this name, it carries a rich history and a strong association with French nobility and power. The name Valois may also evoke images of beauty and grace, given its meaning of "of the valley," suggesting a connection to nature's serenity and tranquility.
In conclusion, Valois is an uncommon but significant name with a proud heritage rooted in French royalty. Its meaning and history make it a unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
The given statistics provide an interesting snapshot of the usage of the name Valois over a span of several years in the United States.
In the early part of the 20th century, specifically between 1917 and 1943, there was a consistent, yet modest presence of the name Valois. Between these two years, the name appeared on birth records a total of 60 times.
The peak years for this name were 1928 and 1941, with 8 births each year. These years indicate that Valois was a popular choice for parents during these periods, at least among the small group of individuals who chose this name for their children.
However, it's important to note that while there were some years where Valois was more common (like 1928 and 1941), the number of births with this name remained relatively low overall. This suggests that Valois may have been a unique or distinctive choice among parents during these years.
On average, about 5 babies per year were named Valois between 1917 and 1943, which is a fairly rare occurrence when considering the total number of births in the United States during this time period. This rarity could contribute to the uniqueness and potential appeal of this name for parents seeking something different.
Overall, these statistics offer a fascinating glimpse into the usage patterns of the name Valois over several decades in the early 20th century United States. They show that while it was not a widely popular choice, there were periods where it gained some traction among parents selecting names for their newborns.