Last Name Valles

The surname Valles has multiple possible origins. In Spanish, it is a topographic name from any of several places named with the Arabic word al-wādī 'valley', which was adopted by the Moors and is found in place names throughout Spain. In Italian, Valles can be derived from the Roman family name Valerius or Varus, with the diminutive suffix -ese added. Alternatively, it could also be a topographic name for someone who lived in a valley or near a stream (from Latin vallis). It is also found as a variant of Wallace, an English and Scottish surname of uncertain origin but possibly from a nickname for a person with a wall-like build. The precise origin of the Valles surname can depend on its specific geographical concentration or individual family history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Valles

The meaning and origin of the last name Valles

The surname Valles is primarily of Spanish origin, derived from the geographical location of a valley or multiple valleys. In Old Castilian language, "vallis" meant 'valley', and when used as a surname, it often denoted residence near or on such a terrain feature. The surname Valles can also be found in other Spanish-speaking regions, such as Mexico and Puerto Rico, due to historical migrations and colonization. In some cases, the name may have been adopted by individuals who lived near a valley or moved to one, demonstrating its geographical significance as a family name over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Valles

The surname Valles has a significant presence in several countries, primarily in Spanish-speaking nations due to its Hispanic origin. In Spain, it is most frequent in regions like Castile and León, Galicia, and Valencia. In South America, Valles is common in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. The name also appears in other countries with Spanish-speaking communities such as the United States, Canada, and some Caribbean islands. Additionally, there are families with the surname Valles in Portugal, where it has a different etymology but is similar in spelling to the Spanish version.

Variants and spellings of the last name Valles

The surname Valles has several variations and spellings due to differences in spelling conventions, regional dialects, and family transcription errors over time. Some common variants of this surname include:

* De Valles
* Del Valles
* D'Valles
* Vallace
* Vallez
* Vallais
* Vallass
* Vallasse
* Vallaz
* Vallas
* Vallesse
* Valliss
* Vallisse
* Vales
* Vallis

These variations may occur due to factors such as regional pronunciation differences, misinterpretations by scribes, or intentional alterations by immigrants seeking to assimilate into a new culture. While these variations are distinct spellings of the same surname, they all share a common ancestral origin and can be traced back to families with the name Valles.

Famous people with the last name Valles

The Valles family has produced notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned members is Maria Isabel Valles Madrigal, a Mexican economist who was the first woman to serve as Mexico's Secretary of Finance and Public Credit from 2006 to 2012 under President Felipe Calderón. Another prominent figure is Jesús "Chuy" Valles, a Mexican professional boxer who held the WBO junior flyweight title between 1984 and 1987. In the world of art, there's Luis Vallés, a Spanish painter known for his Cubist works during the early 20th century. Lastly, in the realm of science fiction, Carlos Valles is a Mexican author who has written several popular novels in this genre. These individuals have contributed significantly to their respective fields and are well-recognized for their accomplishments.

Genealogical research on the last name Valles

The surname Valles originates from Spain and is a variation of the more common Spanish surnames "Valle" and "Valls." Historically, it is associated with numerous regions throughout Spain, but particularly in Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, and Valencia. The name's root can be traced back to Latin words "vallis" or "valles," meaning a valley or enclosed plain.

Over the centuries, families bearing the Valles surname have migrated from Spain to various parts of Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania due to religious persecution, economic opportunities, and wars. Notable individuals with this surname include Spanish explorer Alvaro de Maldonado y Valles (1540-1608), who discovered the Rio Grande in present-day Texas, and Mexican politician Manuel Valles Duarte (1937-2012).

Genealogical research suggests that the surname's distribution across different countries reflects waves of migration over time. In contemporary times, there are significant communities of individuals with the Valles surname in Spain, Mexico, the United States, and various other countries around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Valles"
• 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

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