Origin & Meaning of the Valdes Surname
What does the last name Valdes mean?
The surname Valdes carries the meaning "Son of Valdes." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 20,527 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Valdes ranks as the #1,745 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Valdes come from?
The Valdes surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Valdes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Valdes trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Valdes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Valdes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,745 |
| US Count (2010) | 20,527 |
| Per 100K People | 6.96 |
| First Letter | V |
Ethnic Distribution of Valdes
According to the US Census, the Valdes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 20,527 Americans with the Valdes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 8.74% |
| Black | 0.57% |
| Hispanic | 89.59% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.85% |
| Native American | 0.08% |
| Two or More Races | 0.17% |
Popularity of Valdes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Valdes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Valdes surname increased by 4,960 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Valdes Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Valdes ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Valdes Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Valdes Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Valdes
- ✓ The Valdes coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Valdes families live today
- ✓ Notable Valdes bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Valdes
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Valdes.
Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Valdes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Valdes
Top Surnames Starting with V
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter V, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Valdes surname also look for: