Valerie is almost always a feminine given name in English, derived directly from the French
Valérie (a female-only name) and ultimately from the Latin
Valeria. Valerie is also used as a nickname for Valeria. Both are often shortened to
Val. Valéry or
Valery is a masculine given name in parts of Europe (particularly in France and Russia), as well as a common surname in
Francophone countries. Another, much rarer, French masculine form can be Valere.