Valée History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Netherlands
England
France
Ireland
Scotland

Valée is a name that came to England in the 11th century wave of migration that was set off by the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Valée family lived in Northumberland. Their name, however, is a reference to La Val, in the lower Marne valley of Normandy, the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Checking further we found the name was derived from the Old French word val, meaning valley.

The Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae listed Roger de la Vale in Normandy in 1180. 1

Early Origins of the Valée family

The surname Valée was first found in Northumberland where they were granted land by William the Conqueror. The family were originally known as Delaval and took their name from the Castle of La Val in the lower Marne valley in Normandy.

Some of the first records of the family were found north, in Scotland. "About 1190 Gilbert de la Val witnessed a charter by William de Hauekeristone of certain lands in the territory of Innerwick to the Abbey of Kelso. " 2

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed Eustace del Val and Hugh de la Val as holding lands in Northumberland at that time. 3

Early History of the Valée family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Valée research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1190, 1364, 1578, 1582, 1583, 1604 and 1655 are included under the topic Early Valée History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Valée Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Valée has been recorded under many different variations, including Vale, Vail, Veil, Fale, Fail and others.

Early Notables of the Valée family

Another 37 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Valée Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Valée family to Ireland

Some of the Valée family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Valée migration to the United States +

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Valées were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America:

Valée Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Madam Valee, who settled in Philadelphia in 1801

Contemporary Notables of the name Valée (post 1700) +

Harold Valee, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Ohio, 1912 4
Sylvain Charles Valée, French Divisional General during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars from 1789 to 1815 5

The Valée Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: In te domine speravi
Motto Translation: In thee, O Lord, I have placed my hope.

Citations +

The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 8) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
Generals Who Served in the French Army during the Period 1789-1815. (Retrieved 2015, November 3) Sylvain Valée. Retrieved from http://www.napoleon-series.org/research/c_frenchgenerals.html