Valles family crest and coat of arms

Valles is a Spanish and Catalan surname derived from the word Valles meaning valleys. It indicates someone who lived in or near a valley.

Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.

The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.

The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.

Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.

The family name Valles exhibits a fascinating array of variations influenced by linguistic evolutions and cultural transitions throughout different centuries. In Spain, for instance, the name has evolved to Vallés, a diminutive form that emerged in the 17th century, reflecting a trend of using suffixes to denote familial connections or geographic diminutives. Across the Atlantic in Latin America, variations such as Valles and Valle arose in the 18th and 19th centuries, often reflecting the blend of indigenous languages with Spanish, showcasing how local cultures adapted the name. In contrast, in the Philippines, the Spanish colonial period saw the name take on adaptations such as de Valles, introducing a nobiliary flair that flourished from the 16th to the 19th centuries. In Italy, a phonetic variation might appear as Valli, reflecting the regional dialect changes that occurred over centuries, particularly influenced by the migration and integration of diverse linguistic groups from the 14th century onward. Moving to the English-speaking world, the name may be anglicized as Valley in the 19th century, emphasizing geographic features which were significant in the local landscape rather than retaining the original form. Each of these variations not only illustrates the linguistic transformations that transpired over centuries but also highlights the social and cultural shifts that shaped identities tied to the Valles name.

Learn how to find your family crest.

Other resources:

• Get your official family crest here.
• Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
• See an introduction at wikipedia.com