What is the origin of the last name Valdes?
Countries of origin for the last name Valdes
The last name VALDES is of Spanish origin.
It is derived from the personal name “Baldassarre,” which is the Italian and Spanish form of the biblical name “Balthasar.”
The name “Balthasar” is of ancient Semitic origin and is believed to mean “Baal protects the king” or “Baal’s prince.”
In the Bible, Balthasar is one of the three Magi or Wise Men who visited the baby Jesus, bringing him gifts.
The surname VALDES, derived from “Baldassarre,” first appears in medieval records in Spain.
One prominent bearer of the surname was Pedro Valdés, a medieval Castilian military commander who fought against the Moors during the Reconquista.
Over time, the Valdes surname spread to other Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, Argentina, and the Philippines.
The surname VALDES has variations in spelling, including Valdez, Valdespino, and Valdespinos.
It is not a very common last name in the United States, ranking 4,658th in frequency.
Some notable individuals with the surname VALDES include Cuban jazz pianist Chucho Valdés and American poet Sandra Maria Esteves, who uses the pen name Sandra Maria Esteves Valdes.
In conclusion, the last name VALDES is of Spanish origin and is derived from the personal name “Baldassarre.” It has a rich historical background, and its variations have spread to various Spanish-speaking countries. While not very common in the United States, the Valdes surname has notable individuals associated with it. The meaning of the name, “Baal protects the king” or “Baal’s prince,” offers a glimpse into its ancient Semitic origins. The surname VALDES encompasses a diverse lineage and a story that continues to unfold.
Interesting facts about the last name Valdes
- The surname Valdes originated from the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain.
- The name Valdes is derived from the Visigothic term “valds,” meaning “lord” or “ruler.”
- The surname is relatively common in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia, Castile, and the Basque Country.
- Valdes is also a common surname in the Philippines, which was a former colony of Spain, indicating the influence of Spanish culture and migration.
- There are various variations of the surname Valdes, including Valdez, Valdés, or Valdès, which may differ depending on the country or region of origin.
- The name Valdes has its roots in the medieval era and can be traced back to the 11th century.
- One notable historical figure with the surname Valdes is Juan de Valdés, a Spanish humanist and religious reformer who lived during the 16th century.
- The surname Valdes is of patronymic origin, meaning it originated as a way to identify individuals by their father’s name.
- Valdes is a relatively uncommon surname in the United States, compared to its prevalence in Spain and the Philippines.
- Overall, the surname Valdes carries a strong historical and cultural significance, representing a lineage of rulers and lords with roots in Spain.