American actress Valora Noland played minor roles in various movies and TV shows during the 1960s.
Her real name wasn’t Valora Noland, though. It was Valor Baum.
She was born to Franz and Abigail “Abby” Baum of Seattle, Washington, on December 8, 1941 — the day the United States formally entered WWII (following the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor one day earlier).
Abby — recalling that British Prime Minister Winston Churchill had spoken the somber words, “Death and sorrow will be the companions of our journey; hardship our garment; constancy and valor our only shield” — was inspired to name the baby girl Valor.
Valor Baum later added an “a” to the end of her first name. Later still, when she decided to become an actress, she began using the surname Noland.
Interestingly, the baby name Valora saw peak usage in the U.S. in 1963 — the year Valora Noland was profiled in a July issue TV Guide (which was being read by millions of Americans every week at that time).
What are your thoughts on the name Valora?
P.S. Churchill’s words came from a speech he gave to the House of Commons in October of 1940. (He also mentioned the effectiveness of the Anderson shelter in this speech.)
Sources:
- “If Valora Can Just Live Up to Her Name…” TV Guide 13 Jul. 1963: 18-19.
- Valora Noland – Wikipedia
- War Situation. (Hansard, 8 October 1940)
Image: Screenshot of The War Wagon
I think I would have named her Constance Valor … !
I prefer Valor to Valora.
Valor is a beautiful, strong name. I always liked Valerie, but I think I like Valor even more.