Last Name Valdez-valdez

The surname Valdez-Valdez is a double-barreled Spanish surname, consisting of two distinct names combined into one. The "Valdez" part of the name is a common Spanish surname that originally referred to someone who lived in or near a fortified place (a 'valle' in Spanish means valley) or came from a location with this name. The "-Valdez" suffix in double-barreled names often indicates paternal lineage, meaning that the second Valdez is likely a son of a man named Valdez. However, the origin of the second "Valdez" in the surname Valdez-Valdez is less clear. It could be another reference to paternal lineage or perhaps a nickname, occupation, geographical location, or other characteristic associated with an individual. As with many surnames, its exact origins can sometimes be difficult to determine due to changes in naming practices over time and the loss of historical records.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Valdez-valdez

The meaning and origin of the last name Valdez-valdez

The surname Valdez-Valdez is a Spanish double surname, originating from the Iberian Peninsula, primarily Spain. The single surname "Valdez" derives from the Old Castilian term "valle de caz" or "hunting valley", reflecting its early origins in rural areas where hunting was common. A double surname typically arises when an individual marries into another family with a different surname, and both names are combined to form one. Over time, this has led to the emergence of double surnames such as Valdez-Valdez. The hyphenated form is particularly prevalent among Spanish-speaking populations in Mexico, the United States, and other countries with significant Hispanic communities. It serves as a testament to the rich history and cultural diversity of the Iberian Peninsula and its descendants worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Valdez-valdez

The surname Valdez-Valdez is predominantly distributed across various regions of Latin America, particularly Mexico and Spain. In Mexico, it is most frequently found in the states of Jalisco, Michoacán, Veracruz, and Guanajuato, where it originates from indigenous or Spanish ancestry. In Spain, especially in the Canary Islands and some regions on the mainland, Valdez-Valdez is also common due to historical links with Mexico. Additionally, there are significant populations of individuals bearing this surname in the United States, mainly in Texas, California, Florida, and New Mexico, as a result of Mexican immigration over centuries. It is less common but can be found in other parts of the world where Spanish-speaking communities exist, such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Central America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Valdez-valdez

The surname Valdez-Valdez has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and individual preferences. Some common variations include: Valles, Baldes, Valdés, Valdis, Valdeces, Valdez de Valdez, Valdez y Valdez, and Vallejo (which is a common Spanish surname derived from Valdez in some regions). These variations may appear with or without hyphens, depending on the region of origin and personal preference. Additionally, there might be phonetic variations such as Waldes, Baldas, Valdasis, and others, reflecting the pronunciation differences among different Spanish-speaking countries and communities. It is also worth noting that some individuals may choose to anglicize their surname, leading to variants such as Valdez-Valdez becoming Waldis or Baldes in English.

Famous people with the last name Valdez-valdez

Amongst individuals bearing the surname Valdez-Valdez, there are several notable figures, reflecting the diverse talents and achievements within this lineage. One of the most prominent is Benito Sánchez de Valdez y Morales, a colonial Spanish military officer and explorer in New Spain during the 17th century. In modern times, Juan Valdez-Valdez is a fictional character created by Colombian artist Fernando Botero as a representation of the traditional peasant coffee farmers in Colombia. Furthermore, Rosario Dawson, born Isabel Rosario Dawson, is an American actress and activist who has appeared in films such as Sin City, Rent, and The Force Awakens. Lastly, Rafael Valdez-Valdez, a Puerto Rican lawyer and politician, served as the 28th Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico to the United States Congress from 1985 to 1993. These individuals exemplify various paths of success and distinction for those carrying the surname Valdez-Valdez.

Genealogical research on the last name Valdez-valdez

The surname Valdez-Valdez has origins traced back to Spain, particularly Galicia and Castile regions. It is a compound name derived from two distinct parts: "Valdez" and "Valdez." The first "Valdez" is an occupational name for someone who lived in a valley or low-lying area (valle de seda in Spanish, meaning "silk meadow"). The second "Valdez," when considered independently, could also be an occupational name for a miller (vallis de molinum in Latin). Over time, this surname was carried by various Spanish families who migrated to different parts of the world due to political upheavals, exploration, and colonization. Notably, the Valdez-Valdez name can be found among early Spanish settlers in Mexico, Philippines, and the Americas, highlighting the dispersal of this lineage throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "valdez-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 : 15 June 2025

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