Valdis is a Latvian masculine given name. It is primarily used as a short form of Voldemārs and other Latvian names containing the Baltic/Germanic element vald meaning "rule". The name also derives directly from the Latvian word valdīt ("to rule"), reinforcing its sense of authority and leadership.EtymologyThe root of Valdis is Valdemar, a Scandinavian form of Waldemar, which itself comes from the Germanic elements wald ("power, ruler") and mær ("famous"). Valdemar was introduced to Scandinavia by the 12th-century Danish king Valdemar I, who was named after his mother's grandfather, Vladimir II, a grand prince of Kievan Rus. This name was borne by four kings of Denmark and one of Sweden.Notable BearersValdis Birkavs (born 1942), Latvian politician and former Prime Minister of LatviaValdis Dombrovskis (born 1971), Latvian politician, Prime Minister of Latvia (2009–2013)Valdis Muktupāvels (born 1958), Latvian ethnomusicologist and composerValdis Valters (born 1957), Latvian basketball playerValdis Celms (born 1943), Latvian neopagan leaderValdis Mintals (born 1979), Estonian figure skaterRelated FormsThe feminine counterpart of Valdis is Valda. Cognates in other languages include Valdemar (Swedish), Waldemar (Germanic), Valdemaras (Lithuanian), Valto (Finnish), and Wealdmær (Anglo-Saxon).Meaning: "ruler" from Latvian valdīt or as a short form of VoldemārsOrigin: Latvian, with Germanic/Baltic rootsType: Diminutive or independent given nameUsage regions: Latvia, with some presence in surrounding Baltic nations