Last Name Valdez

The last name "Valdez" has its origin in the Spanish language. It is a surname of Spanish origin and is quite common in Spain and Latin America. The surname is believed to have derived from a place name, specifically from the town of Valdez in the province of Burgos, Spain. The name "Valdez" translates to "son of the valley" or "from the valley" in Spanish, with "Val" meaning "valley" and "-dez" being a patronymic suffix indicating "son of." Over time, people with the last name Valdez may have migrated to different regions and the surname spread across various countries. Today, it is a relatively common last name found among Spanish-speaking populations worldwide.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Valdez

The meaning and origin of the last name Valdez

The surname Valdez is of Spanish origin and has multiple meanings. One potential meaning is derived from the Spanish word "valle", meaning "valley", which suggests that the name originally referred to someone who lived in or near a valley. Another interpretation relates the surname Valdez to the Spanish town of Valdes, located in the Asturias region, known for its abundance of valleys and meadows. Valdez can also be traced back to the Visigothic name "Waldas" or "Balthas", which denoted a ruler or a powerful individual. This ancient Germanic origin indicates that Valdez could have been a surname adopted by Spanish families with Germanic roots, likely during the period of Visigothic rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Today, the Valdez surname is commonly found among Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Geographical distribution of the last name Valdez

The last name Valdez is primarily found in Spanish-speaking countries and regions due to its Hispanic origin. The highest concentration of individuals with the last name Valdez can be found in Mexico, where it is among the most common surnames. Valdez is also prevalent in other Latin American countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru, as well as in Spain. In the United States, the name Valdez is most commonly found in states with significant Hispanic populations, particularly in California, Texas, and New Mexico. Additionally, due to migration patterns, the last name Valdez can also be found in other parts of the world where individuals of Hispanic descent have settled, such as Canada, Australia, and some European countries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Valdez reflects the migration and settlement patterns of Spanish-speaking populations around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Valdez

The last name Valdez, a common Hispanic surname, has a few variations and potential spellings. One common variation includes Valdes, which drops the letter "z" but retains the similar pronunciation. Other possible variations include Baldes, Veldes, Valdesio, and Valdex. These variations may differ due to regional dialects and cultural influences. In terms of spellings, the name Valdez can also be written as Valdeez or Valde’s, usually resulting from phonetic or transcription errors. It is important to note that the spelling of a last name can be influenced by factors such as migration, translation, or adoption of different naming conventions. In any case, Valdez and its variations remain distinctive and recognizable surnames that have been passed down through generations, carrying on the proud heritage of those who share this name.

Famous people with the last name Valdez

One of the famous people with the last name Valdez is Cesar Valdez, a professional baseball player from the Dominican Republic. Valdez is a right-handed pitcher who has played for various Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, and Houston Astros. Known for his exceptional control and ability to throw a variety of pitches, Valdez made his MLB debut in 2010 and has since garnered a reputation as a reliable relief pitcher. Additionally, another well-known individual with the last name Valdez is the award-winning Peruvian writer José María Arguedas Valdez. Born in 1911, Arguedas was a prominent figure in Latin American literature, known for his rich portrayal of indigenous cultures and his exploration of the complexities of racial and social identity in his novels and short stories.

Genealogical research on the last name Valdez

The Valdez surname originates from Spain and is derived from the Spanish word ‘valle,’ meaning ‘valley.’ The earliest records of the Valdez family can be traced back to the Middle Ages in the region of Aragon, Spain. Over time, branches of the Valdez family migrated to different parts of the Spanish-speaking world, such as Mexico, the Philippines, and other Latin American countries. In Mexico, Valdez is a relatively common surname and can be found throughout the country. Many Valdez family members in Mexico can trace their ancestry back to Spanish settlers who arrived during the colonial period. In the United States, Valdez is a surname commonly associated with individuals of Mexican or Hispanic descent. Today, Valdez is a well-recognized name worldwide and holds significant historical and cultural value within Spanish-speaking communities. Genealogical research on the Valdez surname continues to unveil more information about its diverse branches and rich heritage.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Valdez"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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