Last Name Valdemar

The surname Valdemar has Germanic and Scandinavian origins. It is derived from two Old Norse words, "valr" meaning "slain warrior" and "marr" meaning "famous." Over time, it was Latinized as Baldermar or Baldemar in Continental Europe, and eventually evolved into the modern form Valdemar. This surname spread through northern Europe, particularly in Denmark and Scandinavia, where it was borne by several prominent figures such as King Valdemar I of Denmark (1131-1182), who is known for his successful crusade to the Holy Land. The name also found its way into various other countries through migration and conquest over the centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Valdemar

The meaning and origin of the last name Valdemar

The surname Valdemar is of Old Norse origin and is composed of two elements: "valr" meaning "slain warrior" or "slain ruler," and "marr" meaning "famous." Thus, the name Valdemar originally meant "famous slain warrior" or "famous slain ruler." This surname has a rich historical background and was particularly prominent among Scandinavian royalty. Notably, Valdemar was the name of several Danish kings, including King Valdemar the Great (1131-1182) and King Valdemar Atterdag (1320-1375). The name also spread to other parts of Europe, particularly Germany, where it is often spelled as Woldemar or Valther. It continues to be a common surname in various European countries today, reflecting its historical importance and enduring popularity.

Geographical distribution of the last name Valdemar

The surname Valdemar is primarily distributed across Scandinavian and Baltic countries, with significant concentrations in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and parts of Finland. It is also found in the Baltic states, such as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, reflecting historical ties between these regions and Scandinavia. Smaller populations of Valdemar descendants can be traced back to Germany, Poland, Russia, and other parts of Eastern Europe. The name's geographical dispersal is a testament to the historic Viking and Hanseatic League influence in these areas. Additionally, there are notable communities of Valdemars in countries with substantial Scandinavian immigration, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Valdemar

The surname Valdemar possesses multiple variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in translation and local dialects over time. Some common variations include Waldemar, Valdemarre, Walde-mar, Walthermar, Woldemar, Valladares, and Balderamar. These variations can be found across various countries, with some regions favoring the Latinized form (Balderamar), while others may use the original Scandinavian or German forms (Waldemar, Woldemar). In many cases, these variations reflect changes in spelling based on regional pronunciation and historical influence. Regardless of the specific spelling, all versions share a common origin rooted in the Old Norse name "Balder-marr," meaning "famous Balder."

Famous people with the last name Valdemar

Valdemar is a notable surname across various cultures and time periods. One of the most celebrated individuals bearing this name is Margrethe II of Denmark, currently the Queen of Denmark since 1972. Born on February 16, 1940, she has been instrumental in modernizing her country while preserving its rich history and traditions. Another prominent figure is Alexander Valdemar "Alex" Valdman (1893-1954), a Latvian-American painter known for his Cubist works that heavily influenced the abstract art movement in America during the mid-20th century. Lastly, Humberto de Jesús Valdemarino Aguilar (born 1961), a Guatemalan politician, served as the Vice President of Guatemala from 2016 to 2020. These are a few examples of notable individuals carrying the surname Valdemar across different fields and regions.

Genealogical research on the last name Valdemar

The surname Valdemar has origins traced back to Scandinavia, specifically Denmark and Norway. It is derived from the Old Norse elements "valr," meaning "slain warriors" or "dead warriors," and "mar," which translates to "famous." The name became popular among the Danish royal family during the Middle Ages, with the first known bearer being King Canute IV (Valdemar I) of Denmark in the late 12th century.

The name spread across Europe as Danish and Norwegian settlers emigrated to other regions, particularly England, Germany, and the British colonies in North America. In these places, variations such as Valdemarsson, Valdemarsdottir, Waldermar, and Waldmar appeared. The surname also has presence in Iceland, where it is recorded from the 17th century onward.

Today, the Valdemar family name can be found in various parts of the world, with significant populations in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the United States, Canada, and Iceland. The lineage of this surname continues to grow and evolve, reflecting the rich history and diverse experiences of its bearers.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "valdemar"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends