Last Name Valledor

Learn more about the origin of the last name Valledor

The meaning and origin of the last name Valledor

The surname Valledor is of Spanish origin, derived from a place name or topographical feature. It is thought to have been originally associated with a location named "Valdoro" or "Valdor" in the Iberian Peninsula. The name Valledor could be a variant form of the Basque surname "Villador," which means "from the village." Over time, as people moved and migrated, the spelling of the surname may have evolved slightly to become Valledor, reflecting regional dialects or scribal errors in official records. Today, the surname is relatively uncommon but can be found primarily among Spanish-speaking populations, particularly in Spain and Latin America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Valledor

The surname Valledor is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in regions such as Galicia and Castile-Leon, suggesting its origins may be traced back to these areas. However, the name has also been recorded in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Puerto Rico, due to migration from Spain over centuries. The presence of this surname in these countries reflects the historical movement of people, primarily during the colonial era and later migrations in the 20th century. It's worth noting that variations of the name, such as Valladore or Valldor, may be found in different regions due to local spelling conventions and phonetic adaptations. The global distribution of the Valledor surname is not extensive compared to some other names, but it maintains a notable presence within Spanish-speaking communities around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Valledor

The surname Valledor has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and spelling conventions over time. Some common variations include: Valladore, Valldor, Vallador, Valldorer, Valldorre, and Balldor. These variations may stem from slight phonetic changes or misspellings during immigration or data entry processes. The original root of the name is likely related to the place names "Valdor" or "Valladolid," found in Spain. It's essential to note that these variations should not be considered errors, but rather reflections of historical and cultural differences in naming conventions.

Famous people with the last name Valledor

The Valledor family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. Among them, Jose Luis Valledor y Gallegos is renowned as a Spanish architect who was instrumental in the development of Brutalist architecture during the second half of the 20th century. His designs are characterized by raw concrete and geometric forms, with significant contributions to urban planning in Madrid.

On the musical side, Juan Valledor, born in Mexico, is an award-winning composer and arranger. He has composed music for over 15 films, including "The Crimson Canyon" and "Juan de los Muertos," earning him numerous ASCAP awards.

In sports, the Valledor name is associated with Pedro Valledor, a professional football player from Argentina who played as a defender for clubs such as Independiente and River Plate. He represented Argentina in the 1982 FIFA World Cup, contributing to their third-place finish.

Genealogical research on the last name Valledor

The surname Valledor originates from Spain and is primarily found in the regions of Galicia and Asturias. It is a variant of Valladares, derived from the Roman toponym Vallis Aurea, meaning 'Golden Valley'. The earliest records of this name date back to the 15th century in Galicia, with notable figures such as Juan Valledor y Paz, who served as Bishop of Orense in the late 1600s. In Asturias, the Valledors were prominent landowners and officials during the same period. Over time, the name spread to other parts of Spain, South America, and other countries due to migration. The Valledor family tree is vast and varied, with numerous branches in different countries today, sharing a common ancestry from their Spanish roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Valledor"
• 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 : 28 July 2025