Valmai

English

Etymology

Coined by Welsh author Allen Raine in 1899 for a Welsh character in her novel By Berwen Banks. In a footnote in the novel, Raine states the name means "like May," almost certainly referring to a Welsh etymology of fel (“as, like”) + Mai (“May”).

Pronunciation

• (General Australian) enPR: vălʹmā, IPA^(key): /ˈvælmæɪ/

Proper noun

Valmai

1. A female given name.
   • 1899, Allen Raine, By Berwen Banks‎^[2], London: Hutchinson & Co., Chapter I.:

     "I am Valmai Powell, the niece of Essec Powell, the preacher."

   • 1907 July 19, “Lady's Special Column.”, in The Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser‎^[3], Armidale, New South Wales, page 2:

     The house party included Mr., Mrs., and Miss Radcliff, Masters Richard, Victor, and Miss Valmai Jenkins (Herbert Park), Mr. Trevor and Miss Giblin, Mr. Philip and Mr. Edgar Belfield, Miss Jones, Miss M. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Simpson and their daughter, Miss Manning, Miss Brennan, and Mr. Godfrey Jenkins.

   • 1948 June 18, "JANE", “Double Wedding”, in Maryborough Chronicle‎^[4], Maryborough, Queensland, page 6:

     Valmai, third daughter, was married to Mr. James South, only son of the late Mr. and Mrs. South, Brisbane […] Valmai looked regal in white silk Jersey, cut on classical lines, with high gathered georgette yoke.

Usage notes

• Used largely in Australia in the 20th century.

Derived terms

• Val (diminutive)