Last Name Valer

The surname Valer has origins that can be traced back to multiple countries and cultures. In Latin, Valer means "strong" or "healthy". As a surname, it is found among populations in Western Europe, particularly in France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. It was also brought to the Americas by early European settlers. However, it's important to note that the exact origin of a particular instance of the name Valer can be difficult to determine without more specific information such as the region or country where the individual or family is from.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Valer

The meaning and origin of the last name Valer

The surname Valer is of Latin origin, derived from the given name Valentinus, which means "healthy, strong, vigorous" in Latin. The name Valentinus itself comes from the adjective valens, meaning "strong" or "powerful." It is believed that this surname was initially used as a nickname for someone who possessed these qualities. The popularity of the name Valer and its various derivatives spread throughout Europe following the introduction of Christianity, particularly through the widespread use of Saint Valentine's Day celebrations. Over time, the name Valer became a hereditary surname in many European countries. Today, it can be found among populations in Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Romania, and other regions with Latin influence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Valer

The surname Valer is primarily distributed across Europe, with significant concentrations in Romania, Italy, and Spain. In Romania, it is one of the top 50 most common surnames and can be found mainly in the historic regions of Moldavia, Muntenia, and Oltenia. In Italy, it is most prevalent in the northern regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna, as well as the island of Sardinia. In Spain, it is relatively rare but can be found mostly in the Basque Country and Galicia. Smaller numbers of people with the surname Valer also reside in other European countries such as France, Germany, and Poland. Outside Europe, there are small communities of individuals with this surname in South America, particularly Argentina and Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Valer

The surname Valer has several variations and spellings in different languages and regions. In English, it is most commonly spelled as Valer or Valar. Other English variations include Valor, Vaaler, Valler, and Vallar.

In other languages, the name can take on different forms. For instance, in French it may be Valet, Vallet, or Vallat; in Italian, it could be Valetto or Vallato; in Spanish, it might be Vallete, Vallate, or Valeto; and in German, it is often spelled Vallert or Wallert.

The root of the name, 'Valer', is derived from Latin, meaning to be strong or healthy. It is a name with ancient origins, found in various cultures throughout history. The variations and spellings reflect the adaptability and evolution of the name over time as it spread across different linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Famous people with the last name Valer

Notable individuals with the surname Valeri include:

1. **Giuseppe Valeri-Tarabini** (1873-1932), an Italian operatic tenor who was renowned for his versatile voice and performances in numerous operas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

2. **Valeriano Weyler y Nicolau**, 1st Duke of Tamames (1838-1930), a Spanish military officer who served as Governor-General of Cuba from 1896 to 1897 during the Cuban War of Independence, and was known for his controversial "reconcentration" policy.

3. **Valerio Zurlini** (1926-1982), an Italian film director who won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 1957 for his film "La strada". His other notable works include "Gli indifferenti" and "Il paese delle spose infelici."

4. **Valeriu Valerian** (born 1960), a Moldovan politician who served as the Prime Minister of Moldova from December 2008 to February 2009, and again from October 2015 to January 2016.

5. **Valeriu Lazăr** (born 1973), a Romanian football coach and former player who has managed several clubs in Romania and Moldova, as well as the Moldovan national team from 2014 to 2018.

6. **Alexander Valerii** (born 1956), an American novelist, playwright, and screenwriter of Russian descent. His works often explore themes of Jewish identity, exile, and the Holocaust.

Genealogical research on the last name Valer

The surname Valer has roots traced back to several European countries, particularly Italy and Spain. In Italy, the name Valer is derived from the Roman praenomen Valerius, meaning "strong" or "healthy." This name was borne by various early saints, most notably St. Valentine of Rome. In Spain, the surname Valer can be a variant of Valero, which is of Visigothic origin and may have been brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Germanic tribes during the Migration Period (400-700 AD). Notable individuals with the name Valer include Valeriano Weyler y Nicolau, a Spanish general, and Giuseppe Valeriani, an Italian mathematician. The Valer lineage can be further explored through genealogical databases, historical records, and ancestry websites.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Valer"
• 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 June 2025

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