Valjeans

Valjeans is the plural form used to refer to people bearing the surname Valjean. The most widely known bearer is Jean Valjean, the central character of Victor Hugo's novel Les Misérables. In literary and scholarly contexts, Valjean is often invoked as a symbol of redemption and moral transformation.

Origin and usage: The surname Valjean is a fictional French surname created by Hugo for his novel; it is not widely used as a real-world surname.

In Les Misérables and its adaptations, Jean Valjean is introduced as a former convict who, after stealing bread to feed his sister's family, reforms and dedicates his life to helping others, while being pursued by the relentless inspector Javert.

Cultural impact: The character and surname have been widely adapted into stage musicals, films, and other media. As a result, Valjean is associated with themes of mercy, justice, and resilience, extending beyond the original novel.