NomOrigine Background

Last Name Vallee

What is the origin of the last name Vallee?

The surname Vallee has French origins. It is derived from the Old French word "valée," meaning "valley" or "low land." This name was often given to someone who lived near a valley or a low-lying area. In some cases, it may have been used as a nickname for someone with a valiant or strong personality, as the French word "valoureux" means valiant. The surname has since spread and can be found in various countries, including Canada, where it is one of the most common French-Canadian surnames.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Vallee

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vallee

The meaning and origin of the last name Vallee

The surname Vallee is of French origin, derived from the word "val" which means 'valley' in English. This name was often given to people who lived in or near a valley or who were associated with one in some way. It can also be a topographic surname, indicating that the original bearer lived on or near a valley. The spelling variations of this name include Vallée, Vallee, and Valli, reflecting the various ways names could be transcribed in different regions and time periods. Over time, people with the surname Vallee have migrated from France to other parts of Europe and the Americas, leading to its widespread distribution today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vallee

The surname Vallee is predominantly found in French-speaking regions and countries, with a significant concentration in France, specifically in Normandy and Brittany, due to its Norman and Breton origins. Additionally, it is common in Quebec, Canada, as a result of French colonization and immigration. Beyond these areas, the name also has a presence in other French-speaking regions like Belgium, Switzerland, and countries with historical French influence such as Louisiana (USA) and Haiti. The surname Vallee can be found in smaller numbers in English-speaking countries as well, often due to migration from the French-speaking world over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vallee

The surname Vallee has several variations and spellings across different countries and regions. Here are some common ones:

1. Vallée (French)
2. Valleé (French, more formal or archaic)
3. Vallei (Dutch)
4. Valle (Italian, Spanish, Portuguese)
5. Valey (English, less common)
6. Walley (Anglicized form of French Vallée)
7. Vaillé (French, rare)
8. Valli (Italian, informal or diminutive form)
9. Val (shortened form in English-speaking regions)

These variations may arise due to differences in pronunciation, spelling conventions, or migration patterns over time. It's essential to note that the correct spelling can depend on cultural context and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Vallee

Notable individuals with the surname Vallée include:

1. Pierre Vallée (1926-1983), a French actor who gained fame for his roles in films such as "The Crimson Pirate" and "Paths of Glory."

2. Jacques Vallée (born 1939), a French-American astronomer, ufologist, and author who is known for his work on extraterrestrial life and unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

3. Beau Vallée (born 1986), a Canadian actress best recognized for her roles in television shows like "Fringe" and "The Killing."

4. Pierre-Luc Vallée (born 1995), a Canadian ice hockey player who currently plays as a goaltender for the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL).

5. Denis Vallée (1936–2020), a French actor and director, known for his work in numerous French films during the 1960s and 1970s.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as acting, astronomy, ufology, and sports throughout their careers.

Genealogical research on the last name Vallee

The surname Vallee is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "valleé," meaning valley. It is believed to have been used as a topographic surname, indicating that an individual lived in or near a valley. The name has been recorded in various spellings throughout history, including Vallet, Vallée, and Vallot, reflecting the phonetic changes in French over time.

Some notable individuals with the last name Vallee include Marceline Vallee-Thibault, a Canadian politician who served as a Member of Parliament; Pierre Vallée, a Quebec journalist and broadcaster; and François Vallee, a Canadian musician known for his work in film scores. The surname is also prevalent in countries with French colonial history, such as the United States and Canada, where it may have been brought by early settlers.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Val jan (Last name)

surnames > val-jan

The surname "Valjan" is of Italian origin. It is a variant of the surname "Valiani," which is derived from the Latin word "Vallianus," meaning "related to the valley." This surname...

Valabdas (Last name)

surnames > valabdas

Valabdas is a coastal Indian (Kannada) last name that originates from the Karnataka region.

Valachery (Last name)

surnames > valachery

The surname Valachery is of Eastern European origin. It is derived from the word "valach", which was used to describe a Romanian shepherd or inhabitant of the region historically k...

Valachil (Last name)

surnames > valachil

The surname Valachil is of Spanish origin. It is believed to be derived from the word "vala" which means a valley or a low lying place in the Basque language. The suffix "-chil" is...

Valada (Last name)

surnames > valada

The last name Valada is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the word "valada" which means a small valley or a fenced-in meadow in Portuguese. The surname likely originated as ...

Valadao (Last name)

surnames > valadao

The surname Valadao has Portuguese origins. It is derived from a place name, "Valado," which is found in several regions of Portugal, including Trás-os-Montes and Minho. Place nam...

Valadares-silva (Last name)

surnames > valadares-silva

The surname Valadares-Silva is a composite Portuguese surname, formed by merging two separate surnames, each with its own origins. The first part, "Valadares," is derived from a t...

Valadez (Last name)

surnames > valadez

The surname Valadez is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the place name "Valadez," which is a village located in the province of Soria, in the Castile and León region of Spain...

Valady (Last name)

surnames > valady

The surname Valady has French origins and is derived from the place name "Valady" in the Occitan region of southern France. The name likely refers to someone who originally came fr...

Valageas (Last name)

surnames > valageas

The surname Valageas is of Greek origin and is derived from the given name Valantinos, a variant of the more common Greek name Valentinos. The name Valantinos is derived from the L...

Valaige (Last name)

surnames > valaige

I cannot find any information on the origin of the last name "Valaige." It may be a rare or unique surname with little documented history.

Valaikaatchi (Last name)

surnames > valaikaatchi

The last name "valaikaatchi" is of Tamil origin from India. It may have originated from a combination of words or phrases in the Tamil language.

Valair (Last name)

surnames > valair

The last name Valair is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "valier," meaning "valiant," and was likely used as a nickname or surname for someone who was brave...

Valais (Last name)

surnames > valais

The last name "Valais" is of French origin. It is derived from the name of a region situated in the southwestern part of Switzerland called "Valais" or "Wallis" in German. The name...

Valakazha (Last name)

surnames > valakazha

The surname "Valakazha" has its origin in Russia and is derived from the Russian word "валакажа," which means "coastal area" or "shore." It is believed to have originated a...