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Last Name Vallotton

What is the origin of the last name Vallotton?

The surname Vallotton is of French origin. It is derived from a place name meaning "valley town" and is found primarily in the region of Savoie in southeastern France. The name was likely brought to other regions and countries by French settlers or migrants over time. Variations in the spelling of the surname include Vallaton, Valleton, and others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vallotton

The meaning and origin of the last name Vallotton

The surname Vallotton is of French origin, derived from the Old French term "vallette," meaning 'valley dweller.' This name was originally a topographical surname, used to identify individuals who lived in or near a valley or low-lying area. Over time, it has been spelled in various ways, including Vallot, Vallaton, and Valloton, with Vallotton being one of the most common variations. The name spread throughout France and neighboring regions during the Middle Ages as people migrated for various reasons, including religious, economic, and political factors. Today, Vallotton is found primarily in Switzerland, France, and other French-speaking areas.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vallotton

The surname Vallotton is primarily found in Switzerland and France. In Switzerland, it is most prevalent in the French-speaking cantons of Vaud, Geneva, and Neuchâtel, which are located in western Switzerland. The name originates from the Old French "vallette" meaning "little valley." In France, the surname is predominantly found in the eastern regions, particularly Franche-Comté, where it may have migrated from Switzerland due to historical ties and migration between the two regions. Vallotton is a relatively uncommon name globally, but it maintains a significant presence in its native regions of western Switzerland and eastern France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vallotton

The surname Vallotton has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Some of these variations include Valladon, Vallaton, Vallodon, Valloten, Vallottin, and Vallottonne. These variations may also be found with slight alterations such as Vallodot, Vallatou, Valladoun, Valladounet, Valladoutin, and Valladonton, among others. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a name can depend on the region or country where it originated, as well as changes made over time due to factors such as immigration or linguistic evolution.

Famous people with the last name Vallotton

Famous individuals bearing the surname Vallotton include:

1. Félix Vallotton (1865-1925), a Swiss painter and printmaker, known for his graphic works and paintings in the style of Symbolism and Art Nouveau. He was a member of the avant-garde group Les Nabis.

2. Jérôme Valletton (born 1963), a French author who has written children's books, science fiction novels, and detective stories, as well as essays on art and literature. His most famous work is probably "Le Chevalier de Ginko," a fantasy series for young readers.

3. Daniel Vallotton (born 1968), a Swiss musician and composer who has composed music for theatre, radio, films, and television. He won the Swiss Film Prize for Best Music in 2010 and 2015.

4. Sylvie Vallotton-Oger (born 1953), a French politician who was Mayor of Villejuif, France from 1989 to 2014. She is known for her work in social issues and was a member of the Socialist Party.

Genealogical research on the last name Vallotton

The surname Vallotton is of French origin, derived from the Old French 'valotte' meaning 'little valley'. It is primarily found in French-speaking regions, particularly in Switzerland and France. Notable individuals with the last name Vallotton include Félix Vallotton (1865-1925), a Swiss artist known for his work in Fauvism; and Jean Vallotton (1784-1830), a Swiss botanist who made significant contributions to the study of lichens. In Switzerland, the Vallotton family can be traced back to the village of Morges, Canton of Vaud, in the 15th century. The name has also spread internationally due to migration, with notable descendants in the United States and other countries.

Last name distribution maps

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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

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