válek

Válek is a surname of Czech and Slovak origin. It is most common in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and is also found among emigrant communities in North America and elsewhere. The name typically arises as a diminutive or patronymic form derived from a masculine given name; the exact root varies and may be linked to names beginning with Val-, such as Valentin, Valer, or Valdemar. The suffix -ek is a common diminutive in Czech and Slovak onomastics, and thus Válek can be read as a “little” or “son of” form.

Variants of the surname include Valek in non-diacritic contexts. Feminine forms in Czech and Slovak are usually formed by adding the -ová ending, resulting in forms such as Váleková, depending on local usage and orthographic conventions.

Geographic distribution: The surname is concentrated in the Czech lands—especially Bohemia—and in Slovakia. It is also present in diaspora communities across North America, Western Europe, and Australia due to migration and community networks.

Notable bearers: The name is borne by individuals across fields such as science, culture, and sports within Czech and Slovak communities. In biographical and historical sources, several bearers have contributed to local and national life.

See also: Related surnames and variants, including non-diacritic forms and feminine forms that may appear in different records.