Last Name Valadao

The surname Valadao has Portuguese origins. It is derived from a place name, "Valado," which is found in several regions of Portugal, including Trás-os-Montes and Minho. Place names ending in "-ao" are common in Portugal and indicate that the original bearer either came from this location or was associated with it, such as by living near it or being a feudal lord of the land. The name's roots can be traced back to the medieval period when many Portuguese families adopted surnames based on their place of origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Valadao

The meaning and origin of the last name Valadao

The surname Valadao is of Portuguese origin, derived from the word "valado," which means "a place where the riverbed is exposed during low tide or drought." It is most commonly found among individuals who reside or originate from Portugal. In some cases, it may also be a variant of the name Valladao, another surname with similar origins and meanings. Over time, as people emigrated from Portugal to other countries, particularly Brazil and the United States, the surname Valadao became more widespread globally. The name is often pronounced "vah-lah-dow" in Portuguese and can be written in various ways depending on regional dialects or transcriptions, such as Baldaú, Balladao, or Valdão.

Geographical distribution of the last name Valadao

The surname Valadao is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is most concentrated in the northern regions such as Aveiro, Braga, Porto, and Viseu, where it has been historically present for centuries. In Brazil, Valadao is widely distributed across many states due to historical migration patterns, with a significant number of bearers residing in Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and the Northeastern states. The name also appears sporadically in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. Outside of Lusophone regions, there are pockets of Valadao families in the United States, particularly in California and Massachusetts, where descendants of Portuguese immigrants have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Valadao

The surname Valadao is primarily Portuguese in origin, with various spellings and variations found across different regions and dialects. Common variants include Valada, Valladao, Valadão, Valado, Valadau, and Baldaú. Other less common spelling variations may include Valdão, Valadauw, Valadeu, or even Valdeao in some cases. It is important to note that these spellings can vary depending on the specific Portuguese dialect, as well as immigration patterns and assimilation into different cultures. In the United States, for instance, it is not uncommon to find the surname spelled as Valdeaux, Valdeo, or Valdeau, among others. The name Valadao is derived from the Portuguese word "valado," meaning "clearing" or "open space," reflecting its agricultural origins in Portugal.

Famous people with the last name Valadao

Notable individuals sharing the surname Valadao include:

1. Devin Nunes (California): A Republican U.S. Representative serving California's 22nd congressional district since 2003, previously serving as the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence from 2019 to 2021.

2. TJ Valadao (California): A professional baseball pitcher who was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 4th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft. He currently plays for the Houston Astros organization.

3. David Valadao (California): Also a U.S. Representative, serving California's 21st district since 2021. He previously represented the same district from 2013 to 2019 and is a member of the Republican Party.

4. Carlos Valadao (Portugal): A former footballer who played as a midfielder for various Portuguese clubs, including Sporting CP, Farense, and Beira-Mar. He also represented the Portugal national team at U-21 level.

Genealogical research on the last name Valadao

The surname Valadao is of Portuguese origin, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the place-name "Valado," meaning "low-lying land" or "marshy area" in Portuguese. The first recorded instance of the name appears in the 13th century in the County of Portucale (present-day Portugal). Over time, the Valadao family expanded across Portugal, with notable settlements in regions like Minho and Beira Alta. With the Age of Discoveries, Portuguese immigrants bearing the surname Valadao established themselves in colonies such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Goa (India), and Macau (China). In modern times, descendants of the Valadao family can be found worldwide, particularly in Portugal, Brazil, the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The Valadao genealogy is rich and varied, reflecting the diverse historical experiences of Portuguese diaspora.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Valadao"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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