Valentine's Day is named after a priest called Valentine, who was martyred on February 14th. There were several priests named Valentine to whom the holiday could be attributed, but the most famous story is that of a priest who refused to obey a law set by Roman Emperor Claudius II (268-270), which stated that all young men must not marry as it would weaken their morale as soldiers. Valentine was thrown into prison when it was discovered that he had been performing marriage ceremonies in secret.

Legend has it that one of Valentine's jailers had a blind daughter who miraculously regained her sight after Valentine prayed for her. Before Valentine was executed, he gave the girl a note which read, From your Valentine,and this is said to have been the first ever Valentine card.

In Europe, Valentine's Day is also thought to be the day birds make their first calls of love, as it is celebrated at the end of winter and brings signs of spring.

In France there is a village called Saint-Valentin, and its tradition was restored in 1965. The village celebrates a Valentine festival every year on February 14th. There are also places called Valentine in Italy, Austria, and Canada.