Last Name Valois

Learn more about the origin of the last name Valois

The meaning and origin of the last name Valois

The surname Valois, also spelled Valois or Valois-Bourbon, is of French origin, belonging to one of the cadet branches of the Capetian dynasty. It was initially used as a royal house name during the Middle Ages, emerging after the division of the Kingdom of France between Philip IV's sons in 1328. The Valois branch ruled from Paris and became famous for its influential rulers such as Charles V, Charles VII, and Louis XI. After the French Revolution, many members of the former royal family left France and spread across Europe, carrying their surnames with them. The name is derived from the French city of Valois, located in the Oise department near Paris. Over time, it has evolved into various spellings as it was anglicized and adapted to different languages and cultures.

Geographical distribution of the last name Valois

The surname Valois, historically associated with French royalty, has a significant concentration in France, particularly in the Ile-de-France region where Paris is located, reflecting its royal origins. The House of Valois ruled France from 1328 to 1589. Outside France, descendants of the Valois family can be found predominantly in countries with historical connections to France, such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec, Canada, due to immigration and colonial expansion. In North America, Valois is also found in the United States, especially in areas with high French-Canadian populations. The surname has also been adopted by individuals unrelated to the Valois dynasty, leading to its distribution beyond these historical hotspots.

Variants and spellings of the last name Valois

The Valois surname is of French origin and has several variations and spellings due to differences in translation and transcription over time. Some of the most common variations include Vallois, Valles, Valas, Valaix, and Vallex. Additionally, the name may also be found spelled as Walois, Vallois de, and de Valois, reflecting French nobility titles. These variations stem from the original name, which is derived from the region of Valois in northern France. The surname was borne by several significant historical figures, including the Valois kings of France, who ruled France from 1328 to 1589.

Famous people with the last name Valois

The Valois dynasty was a significant French royal house that ruled France from 1328 to 1589. Notable members of this dynasty with the surname Valois include:

1. Charles VI (1368-1422), also known as Charles the Mad, reigned during the beginning of the Hundred Years' War between France and England. His reign was marked by political instability due to his mental illness.

2. Charles VII (1403-1461) was the King of France who successfully led the French forces against the English in the Hundred Years' War, ultimately reclaiming Paris in 1437. He is often considered as the founder of the Valois dynasty's second line, known as the House of Valois-Orléans.

3. Louis XI (1423-1483), also known as Louis the Prudent, was the King of France from 1461 to his death in 1483. He is remembered for his shrewd political abilities and centralization of the French monarchy.

4. Catherine de Valois (1401-1437) was a queen consort of England, married to Henry V. She was the mother of Henry VI and the grandmother of Edward IV and Richard III.

5. Anne de Beaujeu (1461-1522), also known as Anne of France, was a duchess and regent of France during the minority of Charles VIII. She played an important role in French politics of the late 15th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Valois

The Valois dynasty was a French royal house that originated from France's northern region, Valley of the Oise (Valle d'Oise in French, hence the name Valois). They ruled France during two distinct periods: 1328-1461 and 1498-1589. The first period began with Philip VI, who was recognized as King of France after the Battle of Mantes in 1340, which marked the end of the Capetian line. The second period started with Charles VIII, who ascended to the throne after the death of Louis XI. The Valois dynasty is known for significant historical events such as the Hundred Years' War, the French involvement in the Italian Wars, and the early stages of the French Renaissance. Notable figures include Charles VII, who led France during the end of the Hundred Years' War, and Catherine de Medici, who played a crucial role in French politics during the 16th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Valois"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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